Paulini Ice Cream Café & Pizzeria in Ganderkesee
Stephan Pauly and Katja Blume turned their passion for ice cream into a profession. For nearly 25 years, they've been working every day with this sweet specialty and have built a solid reputation in the local food scene. How it all began, what bold decision changed everything – and who the real star of the café is – you'll find out here!
From Ice Cream Truck to Ice Cream Café
It all began with a spontaneous idea. Stephan Pauly was looking for a career change and wanted a new challenge. On impulse, he decided to buy an ice cream truck – a decision that would change his life for good. “We absolutely wanted that truck,” the Lower Saxony native recalls. Together with his partner Katja Blume, he lovingly restored the vehicle with great patience and attention to detail. With their little ice cream truck, the couple toured the surrounding villages, attracting curious looks and enthusiastic reactions wherever they went.
The next big step followed in 2002: they opened the Paulini Ice Cream Café & Pizzeria in Ganderkesee near Bremen – a place they have continually expanded and developed ever since. On selected days, they even serve their own homemade pizza.
Homemade Ice Cream in a Family Atmosphere
The ice cream at Paulini Ice Cream Café is homemade and mostly inspired by classic flavors. But there’s also room for more creative varieties in the display case. Particularly popular: the “Mozart Ice Cream,” a blend of pistachio and marzipan, and the “Paw Ice”, a special flavor made just for four-legged guests. The latter delights not only animal visitors – but especially “Schoko,” the family’s Yorkshire Terrier. She’s a beloved part of the café, loves being petted, and now even has her own little fan club.
The café is a true family business. Daughter Marie also helps out regularly – usually behind the chilled counter, where she scoops creamy ice cream into cones and cups. Her tip for the perfectly shaped scoop? “Don’t dig” – because only with the right technique will the ice cream be round, even, and beautiful.
Ice Cream Around the Clock: The Paulini Vending Machines
Since 2023, ice cream vending machines have been part of the Paulini offering. But what’s inside has little to do with the usual popsicles you find at supermarkets or kiosks. Instead, you’ll get real, homemade ice cream cups – lovingly prepared, with single scoops or ready-to-enjoy classics, depending on how big your ice cream craving is. Particularly popular: the classic spaghetti ice cream and the cookie cup – two creations that quickly became bestsellers. Today, there are six vending machines at different locations, accessible 24/7.
“People really do come in the middle of the night,” says Stephan Pauly with a smile. As a result, the machines need to be restocked regularly. For the concept to work, one thing is essential: the right location. Only where there’s enough foot traffic or loyal customers can the vending machine ice cream reach its full potential.
Packaging from Green Box
Just as important as the right location is the right packaging. In this respect, Green Box has proven to be a reliable and flexible partner. The ice cream cups in various sizes are a staple in the standard product range. The family particularly values the fair price-performance ratio and the fast and uncomplicated delivery – a crucial factor, especially when demand is high.
But for the Paulini team, it’s not just about economics – the environment also plays a central role. “Sustainability has been a key issue for us from the very beginning,” emphasizes Katja Blume. Green Box packaging is made primarily from recyclable or biodegradable materials, making it a perfect fit for the company’s philosophy: indulgence with a clear conscience – even on the go and around the clock!
