With the new staff restaurant, ELA has created a comprehensive gastronomic offering and a central place for all employees at the Haren (Ems) site to get together. The interior and the range of dishes at Diner 72, which opened on March 12, 2024, set new standards in employee catering and a feel-good atmosphere.
In order to create a place for the almost 800 ELA employees in Haren to take breaks together, hold meetings and attend events, Diner 72 was built at the company headquarters location over a period of six months, using only existing containers. The company restaurant pursues a concept that is already evident from the name “Diner 72”. The name combines the American origin of the container with the founding year of ELA, 1972. “Classic American diners are known for their cozy atmosphere and delicious food, and that's exactly what our Diner 72 reflects,” says Nils Ludewig, head chef and head of the company restaurant. Ludewig, who ran a restaurant in Haren for five years, has been involved in the planning since the initial idea of a company restaurant and was able to incorporate his experience from Michelin-starred restaurants into the design of Diner 72.
The kitchen at Diner 72 offers a modern and international menu with vegetarian and vegan dishes, using seasonal ingredients and regional suppliers. The chefs create varied and healthy menus for breakfast and lunch breaks, for which each employee receives a subsidy of €2 per meal. “We place great value on offering our colleagues fresh, high-quality dishes that not only taste good but are also healthy,” explains Ludewig. On the opening day, the menu included Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, penne Bolognese and a vegan stir-fried potato dish. The culinary offering and the cozy interior of Diner 72 were enthusiastically received by employees.
The design of the company restaurant impresses with an inviting and modern design with industrial elements. For example, sea container elements were used for the food counter, salad bar and drinks refrigerator. The bright and spacious restaurant area offers both small and large tables, perfectly suited for different group sizes. In addition, a lounge area with various sofas and seating invites you to take a break. The outdoor area of Diner 72 has a terrace and additional seating. The anthracite-gray façade with large window elements gives the building a modern and appealing look.
The company restaurant Diner 72 is not only a place to eat, but also a meeting point for breaks together and casual conversations. The modern and maritime design and the varied culinary offerings make Diner 72 a popular place for all employees. “We are proud of our new company restaurant and look forward to welcoming our colleagues here every day,” concludes Ludewig.
