Our History
Since 1946, Gastroimpuls has stood for entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and a close connection to the restaurant industry. What began as a business selling playing cards evolved into an internationally recognized company with its proprietary hulu cutlery containers, supplying the 1972 and 1980 Olympic Games. Through strong product development, the expansion of its catering offerings, and strategic acquisitions, the family-owned company has grown into a leading supplier and reliable partner for the restaurant and hotel industries in Switzerland.
80th Anniversary
Gastroimpuls is your trusted partner in the restaurant industry.
Since 1946, we have been supporting the Swiss foodservice industry with passion and expertise. What began as a small family business is now a trusted partner for hotels, restaurants, and foodservice establishments throughout Switzerland. With 80 years of experience, personalized service, and a product range that leaves nothing to be desired, we look forward to the next 80 years.
Our History: 1946–Present
Discover the history of Gastroimpuls. What began in 1946 as a Lucerne-based specialty retailer for restaurant and hotel supplies has grown into a leading full-service provider throughout Switzerland. As a third-generation family business, we combine tradition with innovation and have remained true to our roots to this day.
We are revolutionizing the restaurant industry. A success story from the very beginning.
The family-owned business began in 1946 by selling playing cards and gained worldwide fame with its proprietary hulu cutlery containers.
This was followed by contracts to supply the 1972 and 1980 Olympic Games.
Through the clever development of numerous products and the expansion of its catering offerings, the company secured its position in the market. Starting in 2008, various strategic acquisitions ensured that the family-owned company is now a leading supplier and reliable partner for the hotel and hospitality industries.
1946
Founding and First Steps Toward the Future
The enterprising businessman Josef Hunkeler founded the sole proprietorship Josef Hunkeler in 1946 on Zürichstrasse in Lucerne, which was converted into a corporation, J. Hunkeler AG, in 1953. Josef Hunkeler knew how to steadily expand the product range, initially with playing cards and stationery, and in the early days he served his growing customer base by bicycle and public transportation. After acquiring its first competitor, the company had to move to new premises at Grimselweg 8 in Lucerne.
1962
A cutlery holder is taking the world by storm
The second generation—Josef Hunkeler Jr. and Bruno Hunkeler—joined the company in 1962 and 1964. The procurement of goods was expanded and developed on an international level. Bruno Hunkeler increasingly developed the company’s own products and designs, which propelled the business forward. In 1967, the world-famous hulu cutlery container was created, among other innovations. The scope of services and product range grew steadily, and the company became known as a reliable partner for the food service industry.
1972
As a supplier at the Olympics
The Olympic stadiums in Munich and Kiel featured several kiosks and food service outlets. J. Hunkeler AG was delighted to receive a major order for hulu cutlery containers and custom-built refrigerated trucks for cakes and pastries. In 1980, the company once again supplied the Olympics in Moscow. International trade grew steadily thanks to the expansion of the product range with items developed in-house.
1980
Serv-O-Chaud - served hot
The first serving table with a heated surface was introduced to the market. This revolutionary invention—the Serv-O-chaud, a mobile serving table—was equipped with a heat-conducting plate. The heat-conducting plate was used both as a side table and directly on the table with the heating function.
1983
Expansion of commercial space
J. Hunkeler AG acquired additional commercial space at Grimselweg 3 and 5, thereby optimally expanding its retail and administrative areas.
1984
Publication of the first specialized catalog
The first trade catalog for the restaurant and hotel industry went to press. The cover page was printed in full color on glossy paper. The interior pages were simple, in black and white, and laid out in two columns in German and French.
1996
50 Years of Hunkeler
In the company's anniversary year, the first edition of the product catalog was published in color. The catalog was 200 pages long and was printed in four colors, in both German and French. At the time, the PTT (Swiss Post) handled distribution to customers throughout Switzerland.
1998
Captain, take the helm
Bruno Hunkeler took over J. Hunkeler AG, and the company was renamed Hunkeler Gastro AG. His son, Mario Hunkeler, who had been working in the company’s sales force since 1993, was appointed to the executive board. The company continued to pursue a niche-based strategy and acquired various general agencies. The company continued to establish itself in the market, and many in-house developments—such as porcelain, cutlery, glassware, and other catering supplies—were created. Hunkeler Gastro AG has made a name for itself through innovation and reliability. Its high inventory availability and product diversification make Hunkeler Gastro AG a strategic partner for many customers.
2008
Portfolio expanded with exclusive brands
Hunkeler Gastro AG acquired the operating business of Buchecker AG, a Lucerne-based company founded in 1901, which also included Grüter Suter Gastro. This strategic acquisition further strengthened the portfolio with the exclusive brands Figgjo and Steelite.
2010
The Third Hunkeler Dimension
The Third Generation of Hunkeler Mario Hunkeler became the third-generation CEO. Under his leadership, the operational business of Sternegg AG, founded in 1924 and based in Schaffhausen, was acquired in 2012. This led to the creation of the umbrella brand Gastroimpuls at Hunkeler Gastro AG. 4 Names - 1 Concept - Hunkeler Gastro AG - Buchecker - Grüter Suter Gastro - Sternegg
2011
Dinnertex – the non-woven napkin that looks just like the real thing
The innovative Dinnertex napkins were launched. Compared to traditional cloth napkins, these remain very popular to this day. These high-quality, cloth-like napkins are just as absorbent as their cloth counterparts. These remarkably cloth-like napkins remain among our top sellers to this day.
2012
The first online store—a milestone
Our goal was to give our customers the ability to shop easily and conveniently online from the comfort of their own homes. Long-cherished dreams came true with this major project and the launch of our first online store. This milestone brought our company’s history a giant leap closer to the universe.
2015
Expansion of the Executive Management Team
The consolidation and digitization of the family business were actively pursued. Magdalena Ritz joined the management team in 2015.
2019
Digitization and the Growth of Online Retail
In 2019, Michael Ritz joined the management team. The family-owned business was further strengthened through additional digitalization efforts, process optimizations, and the expansion of its online retail operations.
2023
In keeping with the times
Magdalena Ritz has assumed her new position as CEO at Gastroimpuls – Hunkeler Gastro AG. The company is thus helping to increase the proportion of women in leadership roles.
