February 4, 2026
foodlab relies on anny to easily manage complex workflows
5 min.
A booking system for complex coworking concepts
Coworking is far more than just a desk with a monitor and Wi-Fi. It is a meeting place, an infrastructure hub, and often the starting point for new ideas. This is where things get exciting. Because what happens when a coworking space not only offers workspaces, but also combines production kitchens, storage areas, a media studio, and events?
That is where requirements shift. Processes become more complex, target groups more diverse, and offerings more tailored. Coworking remains at the core, but it is no longer enough to simply organize workspaces.
In cases like this, you need a platform that not only simplifies this diversity, but also maps it in a meaningful way. A solution flexible enough to grow with the offering, while remaining clear enough to manage coworking and community in a structured way.
This is exactly where the foodlab Hamburg comes in.
A home for food startups and everything that goes with it
Foodlab Hamburg does not see itself as a traditional coworking space. Instead, it is a platform for food startups and entrepreneurs who want to turn their ideas into action, not just think about them.
Here you get:
Coworking workspaces for focus, collaboration, and community
Professional production kitchens for catering, product development, and scaling
Refrigeration and storage space, flexibly bookable
A media studio for content, photoshoots, and tastings
Events & workshops, online and on-site
The challenge? Making all these offerings understandable, bookable, and efficiently manageable.
When standalone solutions aren't enough
Many tools are strong in coworking, but reach their limits as soon as individual setups come into play. That was exactly one of the key factors in the selection process. Carolin Schwarz, Community and Communications Manager at foodlab, recalls:
“We looked at many booking systems that came from coworking, but we often lacked the flexibility we need for our complex kitchen and space concept.”
With anny, foodlab was able to set up a system that:
maps coworking workspaces in a clearly structured way
integrates production kitchens, studios, and storage areas
flexibly adds additional services
displays custom bookings in a clear, easy-to-understand way
The platform remains intuitive, for both the team and users alike.
Less Administration, More Clarity in Your Daily Routine
Since introducing anny, day-to-day operations at foodlab have changed noticeably. Availability is visible to the entire team at all times, making daily coordination easier and creating more transparency across operations.
In addition to booking management, payment and invoicing processes are also handled through anny. This directly connects booking and billing, so they no longer need to be organized separately. For the team, that means fewer manual steps and a much clearer overview of ongoing and completed bookings.
“A lot of the booking workflows and payment processing simply runs much more automatically.” - Carolin Schwarz, Community and Communications Manager
On this basis, inquiries can be categorized more quickly and the right offerings suggested with precision. Instead of manually comparing information or switching between different tools, a quick look at the system is often enough to check both availability and the operational status. This saves time in day-to-day administration and helps foodlab reliably manage even a diverse offering that requires explanation.
That keeps operations easy to oversee, processes clearly structured – and coworking continues to serve as the central entry point to a much broader range of offerings.
Thoughtful Membership Models
Coworking at foodlab isn't just about "showing up and working." It's intentionally designed as a community model that supports startups in the long term. That's why memberships play a central role in the offerings.
Foodlab operates with various subscription and community models that create targeted added value. Members benefit not only from cheaper coworking conditions but also receive perks tailored directly to their daily work life. These include discounted prices for kitchen bookings, exclusive access times—such as on weekends—and participation in community and professional events.
The key aspect: These advantages are clearly structured and transparently bookable. With anny, foodlab can represent different groups, grant individual rights, and flexibly combine services. This creates a system that not only manages but actively enables community.
From anny's perspective, it is particularly evident how important flexible membership functions are for modern coworking concepts. Memberships are no longer just a subscription—they are an engagement tool, a growth driver.
A case that showcases what's possible with anny
foodlab Hamburg stands for an all-in-one concept for food startups – with kitchens, coworking, studio, events, and community. With anny, this diversity is brought together in one system and made easy to book for teams and users alike.
All areas work together seamlessly and are not managed in isolation. This keeps bookings clear, processes well structured, and the offering flexibly expandable – even as complexity grows.
For operators with similar concepts, the case shows one thing above all: Even sophisticated setups can be organized reliably without losing sight of the community spirit.
