ROOTS Food Hall marks a major milestone in the transformation of dodenhof Posthausen, Northern Germany’s largest shopping destination. With more than 115 years of history and 125,000 sqm of retail space, dodenhof (family office) has long been a regional landmark. ROOTS was conceived as a lighthouse that provided not only an attraction point but also a reference within the scheme, bringing innovation, lifestyle, and gastronomy together in a single destination.
The project was commissioned by dodenhof and developed by Reify., the architecture and development arm of Sonae Sierra. It transformed and extended the former food area into a 1,400sqm next-generation Food Hall, combining modern architecture with functionality and experience. The redevelopment began in 2023 and was successfully completed in 2024, preserving elements of the existing building while seamlessly integrating them into the new design.
ROOTS offers 360 indoor seats, including a striking 40-metre winter garden with a wine & events bar, plus 90 outdoor seats on a spacious terrace. It accommodates six diverse operators, ensuring a curated gastronomic mix that spans local favorites and international cuisines. Beyond dining, ROOTS introduces an event stage for cultural and entertainment programming, reinforcing its role as a multifunctional Living Space.
The concept is built around three design pillars: Sustainability, Innovation, and Tradition. Natural textures and warm materials connect the space with its surroundings and heritage, while innovative lighting, digital-friendly features, and flexible seating enhance both comfort and atmosphere. ROOTS was designed not only as a place to eat but also as a space to work, relax, and socialize. Strong Wi-Fi, charging stations, and communal tables cater to younger generations and professionals, while cozy corners and lounge seating create opportunities for families and friends to spend quality time.
The impact of ROOTS has been immediate. It has extended dwell time, and boosted customer satisfaction, becoming a magnet for new audiences while also encouraging loyalty among
existing ones. By elevating the food and leisure offer, it has strengthened the overall tenant mix and reinforced dodenhof’s positioning as the premier retail and lifestyle hub in the region.
More than a food court, ROOTS Food Hall is a benchmark project that blends gastronomy, design, and community, setting a new standard for the future of dining within retail environments.
By combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability, ROOTS embodies the essence of its name: staying true to the legacy of Dodenhof while growing into a forward-looking concept. Reify. designed more than a food hall. ROOTS is a benchmark project that demonstrates how gastronomy-led placemaking can transform retail environments into vibrant hubs of culture, community, and lifestyle.