### Vienna Cafe Demonstrates the Superiority of Grandma-Made Cakes by Employing Elderly Bakers

Located just a short distance from Vienna’s Naschmarkt, a historic market operating since the 16th century, this cafe is celebrated for its delectable cakes and authentic Viennese recipes.

The cafe’s ambiance is adorned with various trinkets, including delicate porcelain animal figurines.

Featuring delicacies like Mohntorte (poppy seed cake) and Vanillekipferl (vanilla-flavored crescent cookies), the menu showcases Vienna’s rich culinary legacy passed down predominantly by women through generations.

More than just a cafe, Vollpension serves as a powerful statement addressing societal issues such as elderly poverty and isolation. It serves as a hub where seniors discover empowerment, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose, fostering a unique environment that encourages intergenerational dialogue.

David Haller, a young co-founder of Vollpension, explains, “Our initial vision was to establish a space in urban Vienna that brings different generations together.”

He further elaborates, “Elderly individuals often experience loneliness and financial struggles, leading to their detachment from the urban fabric. There exists a strong correlation between old-age poverty and social isolation.”

Statistics reveal that around 38% of women aged 65 and above in Austria are classified as economically disadvantaged.

Haller emphasizes the transformative impact of baking on the elderly staff at Vollpension, stating, “By simply baking cakes, these seniors reintegrate into the social framework.”

He adds, “Under the motto ‘Bake against poverty,’ we initiated this intergenerational project, recognizing that the most delicious cakes are crafted by grandparents. These cakes, made with love and dedication, evoke a sense of home. At Vollpension, we strive to recreate that warmth.”

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Vollpension introduced the “world’s first Grandma Baking School.” Through BakAdemy, an online platform, the cafe’s elderly staff conduct live baking classes on-demand, sharing their expertise and recipes globally.

Haller shares, “We invited grandparents worldwide to share their cherished recipes, and the response was overwhelming, spanning from India to New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.”

This initiative has not only enriched the culinary experience but also attracted a more diverse international clientele to the cafe.

Vollpension’s menu offers a variety of options based on the daily baking lineup, including small or large portions, as well as vegan and vegetarian alternatives.

Kathrin Rauscher, a 66-year-old Vollpension staff member, expresses, “Vollpension has given people like me a new lease on life. It’s a remarkable place for all of us. We work according to our own schedules, chart our own hours, and bond over shared experiences.”

Hashi Rathnayake, a tourist from Sri Lanka, shares her experience, “The moment I learned about this cafe in Vienna, I was determined to visit. It exceeded my expectations. The hospitality here is heartwarming. After enjoying coffee with Sachertorte, a grandma kindly offered me more treats. It felt like home, and I was deeply moved by her warmth and care.”