„In 2025, our goal was to maintain the stability of our operations and consistently expand our offers, adapting to changes in the market and visitor habits,“ comments Anželika Šiško, Head of Restaurant Operations and Development at Darnu Group.
Versatile and quick to adapt
Last year, three new names joined the ranks of Paupio Turgus restaurants: Padre Duos Pipirų, a Mexican and Latin American cuisine restaurant owned by market manager DG Horeca; Ryk Lys, a fish & chips concept; and Manhattan Ledainė, an ice cream cafe.
According to Anželika Šiško, consistently offering clients year-on-year innovations, embracing constant change, and responding quickly are necessary conditions for the successful continuation of this business concept. She says this is why the gastronomic space was able to withstand last year’s challenging market conditions, which were driven by strong cost increases, the abolition of the VAT exemption, and significant wage growth.
„The results were influenced not only by the flexible concept and the wide, constantly renewed variety of cuisines, but also by the versatility of the space. Paupio Turgus is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for colleague gatherings, birthdays, and weddings. Visitors range from school children and young people to work teams, families with children, and groups of older people. The market’s uniqueness and democratic spirit are making it known not only as a place to eat, but also as a place to enjoy leisure time,“ adds the Head of Restaurant Operations and Development.
New trends and changing habits
The Darnu Group’s expert says that Spanish and Japanese cuisines were the most popular in this sector last year, while traditional Lithuanian dishes remain strong and continue to hold a significant position. Also, two new prominent trends were observed.
„In 2025, there was a real surge in demand for so-called small plates – venues where the menu focuses on a variety of snacks for sharing, accompanied by a range of drinks and wines. Another trend, reflecting broader lifestyle changes, is the increasing demand for healthier food. We are receiving increasing enquiries about healthier alternatives and more interesting, niche products. In response, we are expanding the range of such offers,“ says Šiško regarding these trends.
According to her, catering establishments which offer tasting experiences and business lunches remain strong, but consumers are clearly shifting their consumption habits.
„Eating habits are gradually changing. For some time now, we’ve observed that dinners in the city are increasingly being replaced by lunches. This has driven growing demand for organized business lunches for teams and meetings, as well as a rise in day-only lunch venues that operate exclusively on specific days and hours. There is also growing demand for catering services and space rentals for various celebrations,“ says Darnu Group’s Head of Restaurant Operations and Development.
Growing events segment and upcoming birthday festival
As with the wider market, Paupio Turgus food court’s attendance is strongly influenced by seasonality and weather: visitor numbers peak during the warm season when the space can be doubled by adding outdoor tables. Visitor numbers are also strongly influenced by events, which have been a major attraction at Paupio Turgus for both Vilnius residents and the city’s visitors for several years. Last year, the most popular events were the Pink Soup Fest, the Christmas Fair, Eurovision broadcasts, and Street Music Day.
„Last year, we held 24 different events that attracted thousands of people. This year, we are planning no fewer events, with one of the most important highlights being the upcoming fifth birthday of Paupio Turgus. We are planning a special two-day festival on 20–21 June. More details will be revealed as the date approaches, but there will be concerts, entertainment, prizes, and activities for everyone, starting with the very youngest,“ promises the Head of Restaurant Operations and Development at Darnu Group.