Die letzte Hoffnung

Called “The last hope” in German, Die letzte Hoffnung in Rondorf is run by 24-year-old Hatice Sezer and her family. A slightly odd name at first glance, but it makes complete sense to the good people of Rondorf who realise, just before they sit down to Sunday breakfast, that they’re missing some vital ingredients. Die letzte Hoffnung is literally their last hope for a jar of Nutella or a pint of milk. Ever since the 2006 football world cup, the Sezer family’s tiny business has featured the colours of the German flag – a brilliant marketing idea by Hatice’s dad that turned the Büdchen into an instantly recognisable feature in the calm suburb of Rondorf even before Germany took home the cup. Having chatted to Hatice for a few minutes I already feel like I’ve known her all my life. She plies me with hot coffee and as we chat, customers drop by, Hatice inquires about an old lady’s leg injury, and one of the Büdchen cats curls up in the corner for a nap. Everyone’s infected by Hatice’s sunny nature, and I’m no exception.