Interview with Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB Berlin: A Fresh Take on Street Food
A Chat with KERB CEO Simon Mitchell: Insights on Transforming Ordinary Food Halls
Hey there! Curious about KERB Berlin? You're not alone. This unique street food collective, hailing from the bustling city of London, has set up shop at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. I chatted with Simon Mitchell, the man behind this bold venture, to give you the lowdown on what to expect and why Berlin was the perfect fit.
So what's the deal with KERB Berlin? It sounds like some off-the-wall street food collective, huh?
Simon Mitchell (SM): You could say that! KERB began as a movement focused on empowering independent food vendors, challenging the traditional landlord-led model, and carving out spaces for them to thrive. Since then, we've evolved into a global independent hospitality organization. We've got a non-profit social enterprise, more than 160 independent businesses, and now two branded food halls: Seven Dials Market in London and KERB Berlin.
Why Berlin? London's got lots of food happenings, but Berlin takes the cake, right?
SM: Berlin’s always been on our radar. It’s a vibrant, diverse city with an amazing street food scene, just like KERB. Potsdamer Platz, in particular, is a place in transformation, offering huge potential for us to contribute to its evolution, turning it into a cultural food destination for both locals and visitors alike.
What sets KERB Berlin apart from other food halls?
SM: KERB isn’t a franchise, and we’re not here to cram stalls with the same old stuff. We’ve curated the space to reflect the diversity and originality of Berlin’s food scene. Each KERB site is bespoke, tailored to the local food culture. Here in Berlin, we’re focusing on flavor, originality, and creating an atmosphere that feels deeply connected to its surroundings.
How did you prep for this move to Berlin? Did you hit up the Matrix Club for inspiration?
SM: We've been visiting Berlin since 2020, starting by getting to know the city, its vendors, and its pulse. Our food team has built genuine relationships over the years, not just a weekend fling. That's why KERB Berlin feels Berlin-rooted, not an import from anywhere else.
Got any favorite vendors to highlight for the 'Gram?
SM: We're proud of every trader here at KERB Berlin. From Butter Bronsons' cult-worthy fried chicken, Fräulein Kimchi's Korean-American fusion, Jian Bing Town's all-day Chinese street crepes, to Pick & Cheese – the famous British cheese conveyor belt now sporting German produce – this line-up represents taste, story, and substance.
I hear you're going beyond food with art, music, pop-ups, and more. So this ain't just about grub, huh?
SM: KERB Berlin isn’t just a place for meals; it's a unique venue with big energy. We're planning to host live music, local art installations, pop-ups, and collaborations with Berlin creatives. This space is designed to evolve and grow with the city.
Who's the KERB Berlin audience? Are fancy suits mandatory?
SM: The KERB Berlin crowd is for everyone who loves good food, great company, and supports independent businesses. You don’t need to dress up in a fancy suit to join us; we're all about inclusivity. From young professionals to families, visitors, and creatives, there's something for everyone here.
How do you support vendors long-term?
SM: KERB isn’t just about providing infrastructure; we offer hands-on support for our vendors. We help with menu development, pricing, marketing, and operations. In London, we've even helped vendors grow from a van to successful bricks-and-mortar restaurants. That same level of support will be available to our Berlin vendors.
Some folks say that Potsdamer Platz is a soul-sucking void. But can KERB Berlin change that narrative?
SM: That’s exactly why we’re here. We're here to bring authenticity and give back to the local community by reclaiming central spaces for local culture, independent food, and community. We want Berliners to be proud of what’s happening here.
- Simon Mitchell, the CEO of KERB Berlin, shared that the decision to expand to Potsdamer Platz in Berlin was based on the city's vibrant, diverse food scene, similar to KERB's own in London.
- Aside from offering a wide range of food vendors, KERB Berlin aims to go beyond the food experience, with plans for live music, local art installations, pop-ups, and collaborations with Berlin creatives, making it more than just a dining destination.
- To ensure the long-term success of their vendors, KERB Berlin offers hands-on support, helping with menu development, pricing, marketing, and operations, as they have done for successful vendors in London.
