23.6.2025

Kårkaféerna won the procurement for the student catering in Astra

The procurement process for student catering in the new campus centre Astra in Turku has now been completed. A total of three tenders were received. Kårkaféerna will be responsible for the restaurant operations in the building, which is being built by the Åbo Akademi University Foundation and where Åbo Akademi University is the main tenant.  

“Kårkaféerna is proud and happy to win this procurement. In January we return to new premises at the old address and look forward to continuing to serve our good, healthy and locally produced food to all our new and old guests. As a growing company with high customer satisfaction both in terms of lunch service and catering operations, we are ready to take the next step and contribute to a vibrant and pleasant environment in Astra,” says Susanna Häyry, CEO at the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University and Kårkaféerna.  

The procurement was carried out by Åbo Akademi University, based on the needs of students and the requirements set by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).  

“We received three competitive tenders, of which Kårkaféerna had the overall best offer according to the criteria we had set. They have come up with an exciting concept and I think the students will be very satisfied,” says Mats Ekebom, Procurement Manager at Åbo Akademi University.  

In an internal message to the staff of Kårkaféerna, Häyry highlighted the win as clear proof of their commitment, professionalism and passion for food and service. The new restaurant, Kårkafé Astra, will be in the same building where Kårkafé Gado previously existed for almost 50 years.  

About Astra  

Astra is a new university building in the Stjärnan block of Turku. The building will bring together teaching, research and service functions under one roof and become a new hub for Åbo Akademi University’s activities in Turku. The name “Astra”, Latin for “star”, was chosen in an open naming contest and reflects both the history and future ambitions of the place. The building will be ready for occupancy in the autumn of 2025.  

Timetable of the Astra campus centre in brief (June 2025)  

November 2025: The Åbo Akademi University Foundation moves into its premises.  

Winter 2025–2026: Åbo Akademi University’s staff will move in gradually.  

January 2026 (after Epiphany): Classes begin in Astra.  

January 2026: The restaurant Kårkafé Astra opens  

No later than March 2026: Åbo Akademi University’s move must be completed. 

September 2026: Åbo Akademi University’s joint kick-off event for the Astra campus centre.