Compass Group to Take Over Café Metso at Tampere Main Library, Sparking Local Outcry

Longtime operator Kaisa Kalliolahti has lost the contract to run Café Metso at Tampere Main Library after Compass Group Finland was awarded the concession this week, a procurement decision that has sparked local protests and raised questions about criteria that favoured a larger company, Aamulehti reports. The move has drawn more than 7,000 signatures on a petition.

Aamulehti's Aamupodi podcast unpacks who stands to benefit and who stands to lose as the beloved local café faces a major change. The episode also covers traffic updates in the city, including the junction of Hatanpää and Tampere highways receiving traffic lights after a temporary roundabout was removed. Hosts debated whether long vehicle queues will ease once the tram starts running.

The episode closes with coverage of Finland's run at the European Volleyball Championship at Nokia Arena under coach Olli Kunnari and a discussion on whether medal hopes are realistic. Hosts include Tuukka Välimäki, Enni Mansikkamäki, Ilari Leppäniemi and Jukka Manninen. Aamupodi is published on Fridays and is available in the Aamulehti app, Supla, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Earlier reporting said the award followed a tie on quality but a better price from Compass Group, and the decision went ahead despite a petition of more than 7,000 signatures on the procurement award and the petition. If the decision becomes legally binding, the new contract would begin in early 2027.