Founded ten years ago, Initiative Gastronomie Frankfurt e. V. (IGF) is now one of the most prominent interest groups in the local business scene. On 16 June, the association celebrated its anniversary with around 100 member businesses from the independent catering sector – not only looking back on what has been achieved, but also looking clearly ahead to the future.
What began in 2015 as an association of committed restaurateurs has developed over the years into a structurally strong platform that, in addition to representing the industry, also exercises political influence and social responsibility. Whether it was a lawsuit against the five-square-metre rule in Hesse during the coronavirus pandemic, high-profile campaigns such as the "1,000 empty chairs" on the Römerberg, or sustainability initiatives, the IGF has never shied away from thinking outside the box.
Gaining political traction
The review is also clear because the IGF has repeatedly intervened at crucial points. "Restaurateurs are the hosts of our city," said then-chairman Madjid Djamegari at the time of its founding – a claim that, according to his successor Lena Iyigün, still holds true today. The IGF is a network that facilitates exchange, encourages constructive criticism and provides impetus to urban society, according to Iyigün. This role became particularly apparent during the coronavirus pandemic: the IGF was one of the first industry representatives to take a stand against impractical regulations and set a new legal precedent with its lawsuit against the five-square-metre rule. The "1,000 empty chairs" campaign lent public weight to the demand for more support. The association was awarded the Leaders Club's "Mutmacha!" prize for this commitment.
Young talent, networking, sustainability
One of the IGF's central concerns has always been to promote young talent in the catering industry. Back in 2017, the association, together with partners from business and education, initiated the "Gastro Trend Awards" format, which provided a stage for young trainees – most recently in 2023. In addition, the IGF maintains partnerships with vocational schools, participates in job fairs and arranges apprenticeships.
The association also takes a proactive approach to addressing the shortage of skilled workers: in collaboration with a specialist lawyer, the IGF supports its members in fast-tracking recruitment procedures for foreign workers – an area in which, according to Iyigün, there is still a clear need for action, particularly at the immigration office.
The association offers concrete support in everyday life with training courses in cooking, service and business management, as well as practical recommendations on topics such as noise protection for outdoor dining. After all, "for many businesses, outdoor areas are an indispensable source of revenue," emphasises board member Matthias Martinsohn. "This requires clear rules and planning security."
Culinary art with attitude
Since its foundation, the IGF has also taken a stand on social issues of the future. With its "KlimaGastronomie" (Climate Gastronomy) guide, sponsored by the municipal economic development agency and the FES, the association provided practical suggestions for reducing CO₂ emissions in the catering industry in 2023. The project was awarded the "Typisch Hessen Award" (Typical Hesse Award) by the Hessian Tourism Prize.
In the same spirit, the "Foodtura" festival was launched in 2024 – a further development of the "Klimagourmet" format. Lectures, workshops and culinary events are intended to bring together topics such as sustainability, urban development and nutrition of the future. "Our goal is to make Frankfurt the gastronomic capital of Germany," says James Ardinast, member of the IGF board. The festival will continue in September – supplemented by a two-day convention for trade visitors.
Generational change, new alliances
In October 2023, Madjid Djamegari handed over the chairmanship to Lena Iyigün, owner of the Glauburg Café. Together with James Ardinast and an expanded board team, she is now leading the IGF into a new phase. The diversity of Frankfurt's gastronomic scene is also reflected in the personnel – from club operators to breakfast bars to fine dining establishments.
The fact that the IGF is not resting on its laurels is also evident when looking to the digital future: in cooperation with Frankfurt's TechQuartier and the New Spice agency, the association is currently developing digital tools for gastronomic businesses. Recommendations for action are to be published before the end of this year.
More than just an anniversary
It goes without saying that the IGF celebrated its tenth anniversary together with its member businesses. "We are a hospitality industry – and we know how to celebrate ourselves," says board member Goran Petreski. Regular networking meetings and collegial support have long been part of the IGF's DNA. With a view to the coming years, the IGF wants to continue working to ensure that Frankfurt's gastronomy industry plays a role not only in culinary terms, but also economically, politically and socially. Iyigün sums up the organisation's self-image as follows: "Our industry is part of urban culture, a social venue, an economic factor – and indispensable to the attractiveness of our city."
