Cafe Origami brings new services and one of the longest tables in Finland to the new terminal
A wait in the ferry terminal does not have to involve boring queuing, since Santtu Kiili, the new café and restaurant entrepreneur for Fregatti, is planning to establish a stylish cocktail bar and a Nordic café, and to pamper passengers with attractive event and group services.
The tender process for operating the café services at the Port of Turku’s passenger terminal, which attracted a large number of participants, was won by a company represented by Santtu Kiili.
Kiili is known for his creative ideas and extensive experience in the restaurant and catering sector. He has, among other things, established a dozen restaurants, leased an entire ferry for the organisation of a chartered party cruise, and managed the catering during the test runs of cruise ships at Meyer Turku shipyard.
When Kiili heard that the Port of Turku was looking for a provider of café and restaurant services for the new passenger terminal Fregatti, which was under construction, it immediately piqued his interest.
“This place was practically made for us. The port is one of the best places in Turku, as a tremendous volume of people pass through it. It’s always a good idea for an entrepreneur to be located where people are moving about”, Kiili says.
The terminal itself impressed the restaurant owner.
“The views from the building are fantastic. You can the sea, the ships and Turku Castle. The café has access to two terraces for travellers to utilise while enjoying their refreshments.”
Kiili has a great number of new ideas that will enable passengers to experience maritime Turku along with a touch of internationality.
Speed and style
Since large numbers of passengers will be simultaneously passing through the terminal, the café and restaurant services must be readily available.
“That’s why I want the terminal to have an efficient and fast restaurant concept that enables passengers to get their drinks quickly. The terminal has a long, continuous counter around the inside, where customers can enjoy snacks, beverages and the scenery.”
“Groups can book their own area in advance, such as in the theatre, complete with catering and drinks, even a beer or long drink tower, so that people do not have to waste time queuing. This type of service has never been available in the port before.”
In addition to drinks, Cafe Origami offers savoury and sweet snacks – such as the glazed Bishop’s donut, which one must naturally try when in Turku. A special concept has also been devised for children: a play area with catering.
“We want to create stylish and high-quality services. Beer is served in glass pints rather than plastic mugs, our personnel is dressed stylishly and our catering is based on high-quality ingredients. We favour local partners wherever possible”, Kiili says.
The goal of the Turku entrepreneur is to create an atmosphere like that at the Helsinki Airport, but with lower prices than in Helsinki. Kiili promises to pour a pint of beer from the tap for 7.80 euro.
Later, the restaurant entrepreneur also plans to offer services to car passengers who are queuing for entry to the ship.
Co-operation reduces waste
Responsibility and sustainability are important values for the Port of Turku, and the new restaurateur explains that he also wants to invest in ecological solutions. One of the most important measures is to endeavour to reduce waste.
In this respect, Kiili has received help from the shipping companies.
“They will provide us with advance information about different groups and passenger numbers, enabling us to reserve an appropriate number of personnel and accurately plan catering.
“I look forward to initiating this partnership with both shipping companies, because the possibilities here are endless. I am sure that the magnificent terminal with its services will attract more passengers to the ships. That’s why it is vital for the terminal operators to really work well together; this is how we ensure that we are able to serve all customers in the best possible way.”
The four-year catering contract will enter into force on 1 January 2027, after which it can continue to be valid until further notice.
Text & photos: Sari Järvinen
