Cakery introduces self-service model in Helsinki, attracting positive customer response

In the heart of Etu-Töölö, Helsinki, a unique café called Cakery operates without any staff. Relying entirely on a self-service model, Cakery stands out among the typical cafes in the area. This innovative idea came to fruition almost by accident.

Cakery, co-founded by Valentina Demidova and her mother, opened its doors last May. Originally from Russia, Demidova moved to Finland to study business and has since worked in the finance industry. Running her own café had long been a dream, but during the planning phase, she realized hiring staff would be too expensive. Thus, the concept of a self-service café was born.

In this café, pastries are stored in smart refrigerators, and products can only be retrieved after payment confirmation with a bank card. When the card is scanned, a small authorization hold is placed, allowing the customer to access the products. The technology auto-detects the items taken, eliminating the risk of theft, according to Demidova. In case of any discrepancies, cameras monitor the café, primarily for inventory and cleanliness.

Demidova notes that the clientele has quickly embraced this self-service concept, with no incidents of vandalism or theft reported in the initial months, despite Cakery being open 24 hours a day, four days a week. The only minor issue was a theft of a few forks, which Demidova humorously considers the greatest setback so far. With trust as the foundation of their business, she remains optimistic about the future of Cakery.