LUNOCHKIN A.V. Development of the Public Catering Network in Stalingrad (Volgograd) in the Era of “Khrushchev Reforms” (1953–1964)
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/jvolsu4.2026.3.16
Andrei V. Lunochkin, Candidate of Sciences (History), Associate Professor, Department of History and International Relations, Volgograd State University, Prosp. Universitetsky, 100, 400062 Volgograd, Russian Federation,
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Abstract. Introduction. The purpose of this article is to analyze the development of the public catering network in the city of Stalingrad (Volgograd) in 1953–1964, a time when the social sphere in the USSR was experiencing rapid development. Methods and materials. The study utilized special historical methods and the method of quantitative analysis. The article is based on unpublished sources from the archives of the Volgograd Region, as well as periodicals. Analysis. The article traces the process of construction and opening of new canteens, cafes, and restaurants, equipping them with modern technological equipment and inventory and introducing new progressive methods of production and service to the population. The activities of the city party and Soviet authorities in implementing the instructions of the central government are shown. Attention is drawn to the objective and subjective difficulties in the development of the public catering network. Results. The main task during this period was to increase production capacity – the construction of new canteens, primarily at factories and institutions. Between 1953 and 1964, the Stalingrad (Volgograd) public catering network expanded significantly. The number of establishments of all types nearly doubled, and their seating capacity increased by 3.6 times. Most workers and students were able to receive hot meals on-site. However, a shortage of publicly accessible canteens persisted. To meet the demand for cultural recreation, alongside the construction of new cafeterias, evening restaurants and cafes were opened in large canteens, cafeterias in stores, and vending machines were opened. But the development of specialized cafes lagged. Kitchens began to widely use prepared foods, and all canteens converted to self-service with post-payment. However, a number of innovations (vending machines, take-home lunches, and unattended buffets) failed to catch on and were phased out. Funding. The work was carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation within the framework of the project FZUU-2026-0006, “Development of methods and algorithms in the field of historical 3D reconstruction and development of technologies for creating virtual excursions.”
Key words: public catering, Stalingrad (Volgograd), Khrushchev reforms, canteens, cafes, restaurants.
Citation. Lunochkin A.V. Development of the Public Catering Network in Stalingrad (Volgograd) in the Era of “Khrushchev Reforms” (1953–1964). Vestnik Volgogradskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Seriya 4. Istoriya. Regionovedenie. Mezhdunarodnye otnosheniya [Science Journal of Volgograd State University. History. Area Studies. International Relations], 2026, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 177-187. (in Russian). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/jvolsu4.2026.3.16
Development of the Public Catering Network in Stalingrad (Volgograd) in the Era of “Khrushchev Reforms” (1953–1964) © 2026 by Lunochkin A.V. is licensed under CC BY 4.0 
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