Home cafe days
About this good practice
Home cafes in 2024 were held in 42 municipalities and a total of 617 improvised cafes participated in them. Each exudes a unique atmosphere, lovingly crafted by the hosts’ care and imagination. Here, you won’t find a standard menu, but rather each cook’s masterpieces – recipes passed down through generations, unearthed from ancient cookbooks, or inspired by travels.
Participants receive guidance to ensure a delightful experience for all visitors. They are also offered the opportunity to attend seminars on hospitality, event decoration, and marketing to enhance their cafe offerings.
Any place in Latvia can become a home cafe, because it is possible to receive guests for two days a weekend in every district of Latvia (on different dates) without the permission of the relevant authorities.
Resources needed
On national level The Development Agency of Latvia spends EUR 75’000 (2024) on marketing.. Each of the 42 DMOs organized and promoted involvement and quality compliance of members. On average, one DMO spends 104 working hours organizing a home cafe day in their municipality.
Evidence of success
Number of visitors 65'000 (2023) and 86’000 (2024). Number of destinations: 42, number of home cafes: 617.
Potential for learning or transfer
It gives an opportunity to individuals, entrepreneurs and NGOs to try what it is like to be in the field of catering in regions where there is seasonal or undeveloped tourism, and many companies, after such attempts, become permanent or seasonal catering establishments.
It allows to discover, strengthen and continue regional and local culinary traditions, use local products, cooperate with farmers, etc. Also, dining is only part of the experience, it grows over time with excursions, concerts and master classes.
This encourages cooperation as each county has its own summer weekend, so county DMOs and home cafes work together to bring customers directly to their county.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.