Sustainability Meets Tradition: The EO Returns to Campus
After a four-year hiatus, the EO is back—fully renovated and shining in new splendor. Located in the Ehrenhof Ost of Schloss Mannheim, this revamped bistro isn’t just a place to grab a bite—it’s a vibrant meeting spot that will shape campus life for years to come.
The door stands open, and the crisp autumn air carries the aroma of freshly brewed coffee into the courtyard. “A cappuccino?” asks Dominik Rautenberg, manager of EO Bar & Lounge, as he activates the steam wand on the espresso machine. A sharp hiss fills the air before he places the hot drink on the counter with a friendly nod. At the bright wooden tables and chairs, the first students of the day have already settled in—a trio is deep in discussion about an upcoming lecture, while further back, a student absentmindedly flips through a book. Soft LED lighting accentuates the warm wooden interior. It’s only 8:30 a.m. on this November morning, but the bistro is already buzzing with life.
From fire safety to full renovation
At one of the tables, Ulrich Opatz, head of University Dining Services, and Astrid Brandenburger, head of Communications and Student Services, sip their coffee. Both represent Studierendenwerk Mannheim, which has managed the Ehrenhof Ost’s dining facilities since 1955. Looking back on the four-year construction period, they recall how the renovation affected not just the lecture halls in the Schloss but also the EO itself.
“At first, it was just a matter of safety,” says Opatz, glancing over the rim of his coffee cup. “New EU fire safety regulations required a complete modernization of the entire eastern wing of Ehrenhof.” The Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg agency oversaw and coordinated the project—including the complete renovation of the EO. Brandenburger adds: “For us at Studierendenwerk, furnishing the bistro was a huge challenge—both financially and logistically. The pandemic and supply chain disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine made things even harder.”
A focus on sustainability
Beyond fire safety, the renovation prioritized modernization and sustainability, both in terms of infrastructure and menu choices. The bar was relocated, an accessible restroom was added, and the bistro now features energy-efficient kitchen technology, LED lighting, and a reusable dishware system. “Our furniture was made by a carpenter from the Odenwald region—ensuring both local craftsmanship and sustainability,” Opatz points out. Inside, the bistro features five seating alcoves, 24 tables, and 128 wooden chairs, with another 128 seats available outdoors.
But the new EO is more than just a place to eat and drink—it’s a campus hub for students and staff alike. Today’s lunch menu features braised duck leg and lentil-coconut soup, while the evening brings tapas like Manchego cheese, cauliflower, and hummus. “We wanted to create something that stands out from the Mensaria while still being accessible,” says Opatz. The first few weeks have shown that students appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and high-quality offerings. “And the tapas concept is just the beginning of what we have planned,” Brandenburger suggests.
The EO is back
Now, what will happen to the MensaWagon and Coffeetainer, the temporary dining options set up during construction? “The Coffeetainer has been returned, and the MensaWagon requires a safety inspection before it can be used at a new location,” says Opatz. “But on the university campus itself, the EO, the Mensaria am Schloss, and Café Soleil provide more than enough options.”
As Opatz and Brandenburger head out, nearly every table is occupied. The sound of lively conversations and clinking cups fills the air. At the bar, another cappuccino hisses into the hands of a waiting student. Outside, more guests gather, wrapped in thick scarves, but smiling. The EO is back—once again at the heart of campus life.
Text: Patrick Kullmann / April 2025
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tapas hour: 4:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
You can find more information on the EO Bar & Lounge website.