Founding story May 2025: 1666 - the café & tartlet boutique in Hanover's old town

In the heart of Hanover's historic old town, founder Stefanie Haase fulfilled her heart's desire: her own café with home-baked cakes. In November 2023, this dream became a reality - the 1666 opened its doors. The name is a tribute to Sophie Dorothea, Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who was born in 1666. Her portrait was already hanging in the small store when Stefanie discovered it - and was inspired by her tragic love story: Sophie was married against her will, but loved someone else. Heartbreak? There's only one thing that can help: sweet pastries for the heart and soul. That's exactly what Stefanie serves today - for everyone, with or without heartache. The 1666 has 18 seats inside, with eight more seats outside in good weather.

Stefanie, how did the idea of founding the company come about?

I studied industrial engineering with a focus on food production - but actually my dream was always to be a pastry chef. Although I didn't know whether I would ever open my own café, I took two additional exams at the Chamber of Crafts. This enabled me to take on wedding cakes and individual orders on a part-time basis thanks to a special permit.

Later, I reduced my well-paid job in the logistics industry to four days a week - just to work one day a week in a small café in the old town. Simply because I wanted to bake for others. There I found out that a store nearby had become vacant - and it was love at first sight. Today, I have a craft business and a café under one roof and employ eight mini-jobbers six days a week.

What makes the1666so special?

Everything we offer is home-baked - by me and my small team. During the week, we serve four to five different cakes, from gluten-free to vegan to classic. At the weekend, there are eight to ten varieties. And if you come early, you can even watch us bake - the café only has 47 square meters, including the kitchen!

As a daytime café we are open from 12 noon to 6 pm, at weekends from 11:30 am. Tuesdays are closed. Because we are so small and don't have a toilet, our "Törtchen to go" offer is becoming increasingly popular.

Who would you like to address with your offer?

That depends very much on the time of year. Many regular guests come in winter, in summer it's more tourists - we are located directly on the Red Thread, Hanover's main tourist route. Thanks to social media, many young people are also discovering us. But the older generation has also long since realized that we make really good cakes.

For those who prefer a hearty meal, we offer soup and quiche at lunchtime - a small but tasty option for working people in the area.

What's next for you?

The café is going well and I love what I do. Of course, it's also exhausting and I know that I won't be doing this my whole life. Maybe one day I'll be drawn back to the office - but right now I'm living my dream.

I would like to see the reduced VAT of 7 percent on food in the food service industry return, which I started with in 2023. After all, raw material prices are high and I want to keep my cakes affordable.

How did hannoverimpuls support you with the start-up?

I attended the start-up consultation and wrote my business plan using a very helpful template from hannoverimpuls. I was able to clarify all open questions during the consultation hours. I also made valuable contacts - in all the relevant areas that you need for a start-up.

What tips do you have for other founders?

Just do it! I didn't hesitate for long. The store found me - and I knew: this is my chance. You can prepare for ages, but in the end things turn out differently. So: get started. Make a business plan, think about what your goal is and who you're doing it for. Where will the money come from? Answer all the W questions: what, who, where, how, with what?

Important: Not all advice is good. Listen to your gut and do it the way you think is right. For example, I once tried wine on tap - it didn't work. Even longer opening hours? They didn't work. Sometimes you have to have the courage to say no.

How was the collaboration with hannoverimpuls overall?

Very good. In the start-up consultation, there was a competent answer to every one of my questions. I am very precise and wanted to do everything right - that's why I also attended a tax seminar through hannoverimpuls, which helped me enormously. The advice was flexible, personal and really helpful.

Anke Pawla, Project Manager Start-up and Entrepreneurship, on the collaboration with Stefanie Haase:

A lot can be achieved with a clear goal in mind. Stefanie had the right property, sound knowledge from her studies and a passion for baking. We were able to add a few suitable ingredients to her project - and are delighted that we can now enjoy deliciously delicious cakes in the heart of Hanover's old town.

Contact details:

1666 Café & Törtchenboutique
Kramerstr. 14
30159 Hanover

Mail: hallo@steffiscakery.de

Website: 1666-hannover.steffiscakery.de

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