The popular American fast food chain Five Guys is set to debut in the Czech Republic with its first branch in Prague’s iconic Máj department store on Národní třída.

After more than a year of delays, the long-awaited opening is now anticipated to take place in March 2025.

Preparations for the branch began in 2023, with initial plans targeting a June 2024 launch. However, the timeline was postponed multiple times, with subsequent estimates pointing to autumn and later the end of the year.

According to Karel Samec, spokesperson for Amadeus Real Estate, which manages the Máj department store, the restaurant is now expected to open by March.

An advertising banner announcing the upcoming launch has been displayed outside the Máj store for several months. Additionally, Five Guys has launched a Czech-language website introducing its menu and providing job opportunities within the chain.

Expansion Across Central Europe

The Czech franchise of Five Guys will be managed by Monterock International, a multinational investment holding company involved in private equity, gastronomy, real estate, and sustainable technologies.

Monterock also operates two branches of Five Guys in Vienna and has plans to expand the brand further into Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Established in Virginia, USA, in 1986, Five Guys is renowned for its customizable burgers and freshly prepared fries. The chain has grown to nearly 1,700 locations worldwide, with most of them in the United States.

Global Chains Enter the Czech Market

Five Guys follows the recent arrival of Popeyes, which launched its first Czech restaurant in November 2023 and now operates three locations in Prague.

Meanwhile, Wendy’s, another American fast food brand specializing in burgers, is actively seeking a franchisee to bring its operations to the Czech Republic.

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DOX Centre is the largest independent institution focusing on contemporary art in the Czech Republic, which thanks to a private initiative opened to the public in 2008. 

Since its establishment, DOX has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking space that merges art with social and political engagement.

It provides both local and international artists with a stage to explore and challenge contemporary issues, inviting visitors to reconsider the role of art in society through its diverse program of exhibitions, installations, performances, and workshops.

DOX was founded by a group of passionate Czech art enthusiasts who envisioned a space where contemporary art could engage with broader societal themes. The building itself is an architectural marvel—a former warehouse repurposed into a modern cultural venue. Its minimalist design, incorporating concrete, glass, and steel, reflects the raw and unpolished essence often found in contemporary art.

From its inception, DOX has sought to bridge the gap between art and society by fostering dialogue through interdisciplinary projects. The center not only showcases visual art but also tackles complex issues such as politics, environmental challenges, technology, and social justice. It serves as a meeting place where artists and visitors can engage in discussions relevant to contemporary life.

The architecture of DOX is itself a work of art. The center’s industrial structure is designed to offer flexible spaces that accommodate a wide range of artistic expressions. A standout feature is the rooftop structure “DOX+,” a suspended glass and steel addition that hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and public programs, further enriching the center’s offerings.

Inside, DOX comprises several exhibition halls that regularly rotate exhibits, ensuring there is always something new and thought-provoking. The exhibitions feature a mix of local and international artists, showcasing cutting-edge works in various forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, video installations, and mixed media. Many exhibitions explore urgent global topics, with artists often creating site-specific works that respond to the venue’s unique architecture and atmosphere.

One notable past exhibition, “Czech Photography: From the 19th Century to the Present,” highlighted the evolution of Czech photography and its intersection with social and political history. This collection underscored photography’s power to document, question, and influence perceptions of reality, aligning with DOX’s mission to foster dialogue between the past and present.

Beyond exhibitions, DOX actively engages the public through educational programs, workshops, and events. These initiatives, designed for all age groups, aim to make contemporary art accessible to everyone, from schoolchildren to seasoned art enthusiasts.

The Gulliver Airship

The Gulliver Airship sits atop a Prague museum, looking as though it crash-landed within the city. Seemingly precariously perched atop two buildings, the Zeppelin almost looks as if it could slide into the sky at any moment.

But the wood and steel airship isn’t an airship at all. Instead of lighter-than-air gas, this Zeppelin is filled with book-bearing people. It’s a gathering and reading space, a spot for people to hunker down with a book or discuss literature related to the DOX Museum’s mission to encourage critical thinking about social issues.

DOX’s influence extends far beyond the Czech Republic. The center has cultivated a strong international presence through collaborations with leading art institutions worldwide, resulting in unique cross-cultural exchanges and exhibitions. These partnerships provide Prague with a global perspective on contemporary art.

Additionally, DOX participates in art fairs and festivals, expanding its global reach. Collaborations with universities, research centers, and activist groups further underscore its commitment to addressing societal challenges through art.

 

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Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO movement, told Echo24 that if he is elected to government, he intends to implement a 100% tax on real estate purchases by foreigners from non-EU countries who do not actively occupy the properties.

He cited Spain as a model for this policy. Babiš argued that the tax should apply not only to houses and apartments but also to land, as foreigners often buy property and land using dubious funds.

According to him, this move would ensure that non-EU buyers are discouraged from using Czech property as an investment tool without contributing to the local community.

The tax would affect nationals from countries such as the UK, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Babiš emphasized that the goal of his proposed tax policy would be to collect taxes effectively and reduce them where possible. He criticized the current Czech government, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), for what he described as ineffective tax collection and increasing tax rates.

Spain has already introduced a similar proposal, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announcing plans to impose a tax of up to 100% on real estate purchases made by non-EU citizens who do not plan to live in the country.

He argued that there is a growing problem of “too many Airbnbs and too little living space” in Europe, with foreign investors buying property purely for speculation rather than for residential purposes.

In 2023, non-EU nationals purchased 27,000 properties in Spain, according to Sánchez, contributing to the country’s housing shortage. “We cannot afford this situation,” he said, stressing that the move aims to make housing more affordable for those who genuinely want to live in Spain.

Tax Reform Priorities of the ANO Movement

Babiš also discussed his vision for tax reform under the ANO movement. He stated that his main goal is to collect taxes efficiently and reduce them where possible, in stark contrast to the current government’s approach, which he claims increases taxes without improving collection methods.

Babiš also mentioned supporting Czech small businesses and pubs, including potentially restoring the reduced VAT rate on draft beer. However, he refrained from offering further details, stating that he wants to keep his plans confidential to avoid political opponents copying ANO’s proposals.

Challenges in the Czech Tax System

According to economist Pavel Skořepa, the Czech Republic’s tax rates are generally close to the European average. However, he pointed out that frequent and last-minute changes in tax legislation pose a significant challenge for local businesses. He also noted that the Czech state collects relatively little from personal income tax due to low wages compared to the European average.

Skořepa also highlighted the impact of numerous tax exemptions, such as those for self-employed individuals and the VAT exemption for small businesses.

He suggested that eliminating certain tax breaks could increase state revenues. One such reform could involve ending the excise duty exemption on still wine, which, while generating only a few billion crowns annually, has a negative impact on the fairness of the Czech tax system.

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TasteAtlas has unveiled the planet’s worst-rated foods, based on 600,000 ratings.

Topping the list is Blodplat, a dish traditional to Sweden and Finnish Lapland of rye or barley flour and (wait for it) animal blood dumplings, which is usually served as a side dish to fried bacon, pork, butter and lingonberry jam. Interesting.

In second place was bocadillo de sardinas, a sardine sandwich native to Spain. Surprisingly, despite Spain being the land of paella, croquettes, tapas and churros, three Spanish dishes are included in the top 10: angulas a la cazuela is a Basque Country dish of spicy eels, and faves a la Catalana is broad beans cooked in stock and served with blood sausage.

Three Czech dishes appear on this list, offering a perspective on how certain traditional recipes are perceived beyond their home country.

Czech bread soup (Chlebová polévka):

This simple bread soup is a traditional Czech dish prepared with a combination of stale bread, water, onions, and a variety of spices. The more refined versions are occasionally thickened with eggs and may incorporate flavorful broths or various root vegetables.

Characterized by its rustic appeal and thick consistency, chlebová polévka is a common home-cooked dish that is traditionally enjoyed plain or accompanied by crispy croutons.

Máslová pomazánka

This creamy spread is made with sour cream and a combination of powdered milk and buttermilk. It is enjoyed throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The spread is traditionally flavored with various herbs, ham, peppers, or garlic.

Although it was originally known as pomazánkové máslo, meaning butter spread, under the recent European Union regulation the term was forbidden since the product does not contain the minimum milk fat content of 39%. In compliance with the law, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia have decided to name the spread máslová pomazánka and smotanová nátierka, respectively.

 

Karlovarsky suchar 

Karlovarský suchar is a rusk, a toasted bread cut in thin slices from a whole load, produced in the Karlovy Vary region. There are two varieties of the bread – special and diet versions. The bread is well-baked and dried, clean, crisp and uniformly porous. Both versions of the bread must contain Karlovy Vary spring water.

The special variety is made from wheat flour, spring water, sugar, yeast, salt, egg yolk, and flour improver. The diet version is made from the same ingredients, but sugar, egg yolks and salt are removed from the mix. When the bread is toasted, it is left to cool and sold in packs of 200 grams, ready to be enjoyed with fruit jams, butter, and tea.

These are the world’s 10 ‘worst’ foods

Blodplat, Finland
Bocadillo de sardinas, Spain
Calskrove, Sweden
Angulas a la cazuela, Spain
Jellied eels, UK
Ramen burger, USA
Chapalele, Chile
Faves a la Catalana, Spain
Thorramatur, Iceland
Thai fish entrails sour curry, Thailand

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Chronic issues with data connectivity and mobile signals on trains in the Czech Republic are set to receive an unconventional solution.

Last autumn, mobile signal repeaters and window modifications were introduced in an attempt to improve connectivity. While these changes were expected to make a significant difference this year, Czech Railways has now announced an additional measure: satellite-based internet.

According to HN, testing is expected to begin in early spring, likely in February. “We are using technology directly provided by Starlink, negotiating with them without intermediaries. Our costs will only cover partial modifications to the trains.”

This new system will feature a significantly larger and more powerful terminal compared to the one used by Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines. The terminal, measuring 56 by 63 centimeters, will be installed on the roof of each train.

Starlink is a satellite constellation system that aims to deliver global internet coverage. This system is ideally suited for rural and geographically isolated areas where internet connectivity is unreliable or nonexistent.

The testing in Europe will be particularly significant for the manufacturers. In the United States, Starlink’s deployment focuses mainly on independent traction, such as diesel trains that don’t run on electric power lines.

A SpaceX initiative to create a global broadband network, Starlink uses a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet services. SpaceX, more formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is a privately held rocket and spacecraft company that Elon Musk founded in 2002.

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The eastern edge of Prague is set for a major transformation as the Kyje-Hutě area gears up to become a modern residential district.

The city council has approved an urban study spearheaded by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), which outlines plans to accommodate 13,000 new residents and up to 4,000 jobs.

While private investors will develop a portion of the new housing, much of the land remains city-owned, giving the municipality leverage to shape the area’s development, amenities, and infrastructure.

A Modern Approach to Development

The urban study provides a comprehensive blueprint addressing transport, infrastructure, and landscape in the Kyje-Hutě area. It will also guide Prague 14 and city officials in managing the interests of developers, landowners, and investors.

“This location has long been recognized for its potential to develop into a thriving residential district with excellent access to the city center, thanks to its proximity to major public transport,” said IPR Director Ondřej Boháč.

The area benefits from easy access to the newly opened Rajská Zahrada train station, which connects to metro line B and regional rail routes to Lysá nad Labem and Všetaty.

Expanding Prague’s Urban Horizons

Urban planners are not stopping with Kyje-Hutě. The city is also preparing for transformative developments in Letňany, near the terminus of metro line C. Officials aim to finalize the zoning study for Letňany this year, with construction expected to begin early in the next decade.

Another key development area is Invalidovna. Central Group plans to create the Nový Karlín neighborhood, with around 1,000 apartments spread over five hectares. If the approval process proceeds smoothly, construction could start by 2028, with the first residents moving in by 2030.

Florenc: A New Vision for Prague’s Center

Meanwhile, the Rohanský ostrov area and its surroundings are undergoing a significant transformation. Plans include a new school worth 970 million CZK, part of a broader effort to revitalize a neglected area into a vibrant urban space.

Additionally, a new district is planned near Florenc, where four architectural competitions have been announced to reimagine the area between the main road and the Florenc bus station.

The new neighborhood will span 85,000 square meters, with over half dedicated to housing. The regulatory plan also includes creating two pedestrian streets to connect Nové Město, Karlín, and Žižkov, fostering better integration within Prague’s urban fabric.

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Relocating to a new country is often an exciting yet stressful experience. Packing your life into boxes, adjusting to temporary housing, and struggling to fit everything into a new, often smaller, home. Sound familiar?

This challenge becomes especially common with the rising popularity of micro-apartments in Prague. Whether you’ve moved for work, studies, or to embark on a new adventure, finding a practical solution for your belongings can make the transition significantly smoother.

Renting a self storage unit is one of the most effective ways to create extra space. It’s ideal for items that don’t fit in your new home but are still important—whether it’s seasonal items like snowboards holiday decorations, or cherished belongings you want to keep safe. Storage facilities like Less Mess Storage offers secure and private units in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact 0.5 m² spaces to spacious 30 m² units with 24/7 access.

This wide selection ensures you only pay for the space you actually need. Should your requirements change over time, switching to a smaller or larger unit is always an option, depending on availability.

How to rent a self storage unit?

If you’ve never used self storage before, the process is designed to be as easy and transparent as possible. The team at Less Mess Storage is ready to guide you through every step, helping you choose the best-sized unit for your belongings. If you prefer to handle everything online, their website provides all the details you need to make an informed decision, including types of units and their capacity. This makes it easy to find the perfect fit without even leaving your home.

Flexibility is another key advantage. Storage contracts in Less Mess Storage can be tailored to your needs. Whether you require a unit for a fixed period or prefer an open-ended arrangement, you can rent a space for as long as necessary without the stress of rigid timelines. When the time comes to end your rental, all it takes is a simple one-month notice.

Upon signing the contract, you’ll receive a personal access code to the facility, ensuring that your belongings remain both accessible and secure. A padlock is required for the unit, you can bring your own or purchase one onsite at every Less Mess location.

Comfort and safety

The safety and care of stored items are priorities at Less Mess Storage. Advanced security systems are in place, with 24/7 monitoring to ensure constant protection. The facilities are also designed to maintain optimal storage conditions, with temperature and humidity carefully controlled to prevent damage from extreme temperatures or moisture. This means everything from sentimental keepsakes to important documents is stored in a stable and secure environment.

Convenience is equally important. With four locations in Prague—situated in Prague 4, 6, and 7 — it’s easy to choose a facility close to home or work. Each location is equipped with trolleys and elevators to make moving heavy or bulky items hassle-free. For added convenience, a range of packing materials, including boxes, containers, and protective wraps, is available for purchase at every store.

Additional services

Beyond simple storage, Less Mess Storage offers additional services to support its customers. For instance, receptions can accept deliveries on your behalf, whether it’s a parcel from a courier or larger pallet deliveries. When your items arrive, they’ll be safely stored at the reception until you’re ready to collect them. Similarly, if you need to send something out, you can leave parcels at the reception for courier pickup. These thoughtful services are designed to make life easier during what can be a hectic period of transition.

Why opt for self storage?

For those adjusting to a new home, tackling the challenges of relocation, or simply seeking an efficient way to manage limited living space, self storage is a solution that combines practicality and reliability. It’s not just about storing items — it’s about creating room to breathe, organize, and focus on what truly matters.

Less Mess Storage is your trusted partner when moving or renovating. Whether you’re starting a new chapter of life, discovering opportunities, or going on an adventure, a reliable storage space is a small but important step toward feeling at home. Prices and stores can be found at their website  lessmess.storage.

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Appoints.cz is a modern marketplace designed to connect customers with local service providers quickly and effortlessly.

With user-friendly filters, diverse categories, and a seamless reservation system, it simplifies the process for customers while empowering vendors with personalized profiles and tools to grow their businesses. Every completed order also contributes to tree planting in collaboration with Sázíme Česko, making Appoints.cz a platform with a purpose.

To understand the vision behind this innovative platform, we spoke with Rufat Gafarov, Co-founder of Appoints.cz, about its features, future plans, and environmental impact.

A Vision for Simplicity and Connection

Q: What inspired you to create Appoints.cz?

Rufat: We created Appoints.cz because finding local service providers can be surprisingly difficult, especially if you need someone who speaks your language. To solve this, we introduced a language filter alongside other practical features, making it easier than ever to find the right provider and book their services.

Features That Make a Difference

Q: What features does Appoints.cz currently offer, and how does it benefit users?

Rufat: For vendors, we provide personalized profiles tailored to their selected categories. They can showcase their services, set pricing, add employees, chat with clients, and share photos. Vendors can enhance visibility by adding business hours, Instagram links, or a website link. Customer ratings also help build trust and credibility.

For customers, Appoints.cz streamlines the search for service providers. Filters and categories make it easy to narrow down options, while the reservation system allows quick bookings. Customers can chat with vendors to clarify their needs, upload photos for more detailed requests, and, in some cases, negotiate prices.

Standing Out from the Crowd

Q: How is Appoints.cz different from other platforms?

Rufat: Appoints.cz focuses on small businesses and freelancers. Our commitment to sustainability sets us apart. Every completed order supports tree planting in the Czech Republic through our partnership with Sázíme Česko. In just two months, we’ve planted 20 trees, and we’re just getting started.

Looking Ahead

Q: What are your plans for future improvements?

Rufat: We’re working on several exciting features. Vendors will soon have access to a calendar widget to integrate on their websites as a booking button. We’re also introducing Google authentication for easier sign-ups and implementing UI improvements for a smoother user experience.

One major addition is a bidding system where customers can post requests, and vendors can bid to fulfill them. We’re also developing a payment system for vendors. These updates are just a few of the ways we’re enhancing the platform.

Positive Feedback and Future Goals

Q: What kind of feedback have you received so far?

Rufat: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Users have shared constructive suggestions, and we’re actively incorporating them into the platform. It’s encouraging to see how much people value what we’re building.

Q: Where do you see Appoints.cz in the next five years?

Rufat: Our goal is to keep evolving with new features while maintaining a positive environmental impact. We aim to plant even more trees and explore AI integration to connect vendors and customers seamlessly. We want Appoints.cz to become the go-to platform for local services and a leader in sustainability.

Advice for Service Providers

Q: Any advice for service providers considering joining Appoints.cz?

Rufat: Write a detailed description of your services. Our search system uses this to connect you with customers, which also improves SEO. Upload high-quality photos—at least five—to attract more customers. Linking your Instagram, website, or other platforms to your profile increases credibility and visibility.

From Thursday, 16 January, to Saturday, 18 January 2025, Prague’s Světozor cinema will host the third edition of KVIFF Classics, a showcase of classic films organized by the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in cooperation with the National Film Archive.

As usual, the KVIFF Classics show, with the subtitle Returns of Film Legends, will offer Czech and foreign films that have made an indelible mark on the history of world cinema and can no longer be seen on the big screen.

Since most of the featured films have undergone digital restoration, the event continues the tradition of presenting restored films and retrospectives at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.

The festival will commemorate, among other milestones, the centenaries of the birth of three film greats: actors Paul Newman and Peter Sellers, and director Robert Altman.

KVIFF Classics will open with Věra Chytilová’s Kalamita, whose restored version was made possible thanks to the financial support of Milada and Eduard Kučer.

“Classics belong on cinema screens, and we are happy to continue this mission. The third edition of KVIFF CLASSICS presents a varied genre mix of films that have stood the test of time with honour, among other things thanks to the captivating charisma and dazzling acting of those who have put their faces to legendary films – Paul Newman, Peter Sellers, Humphrey Bogart, Lino Ventura, Toshiro Mifune, and Boleslav Polívka,” says Karel Och, Artistic Director of KVIFF.

The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, 16 January 2025, at 7 pm in the Great Hall of the Světozor cinema. The KVIFF Classics show will feature the Czech premiere of Věra Chytilová’s digitally restored film Kalamita (1980, Czechoslovakia), which had its world premiere six weeks ago at the Lumière Festival in Lyon, France.

In this layered and bitterly comedic parable of existence during the normalisation era, the then thirty-two-year-old Boleslav Polívka excels as the thoughtful and well-versed university student Jan Dostál, who faces a series of humiliating interviews and undisguised corruption in his quest to pursue a meaningful profession as a machinist.

In addition to director Věra Chytilová, other masters of their craft, including Ivan Šlapeta (cinematography), Jiří Brožek (editing), and Laco Déczi (soundtrack), contributed to the film’s success.

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Penny Market’s latest advertisement has turned heads across Prague, particularly in Modřany, where its billboard offering free silicone breast implants has stirred considerable attention.

This unusual promotion is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer while providing tangible benefits to the public.

The marketing campaign offers a discount of up to CZK 100,000 on breast implants, as well as free purchases of up to 10,000 crowns, provided customers meet the competition’s criteria.

Penny Market spokesperson Kamila Kottnauerová confirmed that five winners will receive free plastic surgery as part of the promotion.

But the store’s initiative goes beyond mere sales tactics. Penny Market has partnered with a breast cancer prevention campaign, seeking to inform the public about the importance of early detection.

In addition to the discounts, Penny Market is offering free breast ultrasound examinations to women who may not have access to them through their insurance. Any woman who books an appointment at the Smíchov Health Center in Prague by the end of January and completes the exam by June 30, 2025, will receive the service at no cost.

The response to the campaign has been overwhelming. Within the first day, the available slots for the free breast exams were booked up for the next eight months. Kottnauerová confirmed the high demand: “The event launched earlier this week, and there was a great deal of interest right from the start. We’re not finished yet—we’re actively seeking additional clinics to provide these exams.”

Alongside the free exams, Penny Market has also launched a public information campaign. Their website now features guides on breast self-examinations, encouraging women to check for signs of potential health issues.

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Police are calling for the public’s assistance in locating a young man who witnessed a tragic accident at the Luka metro station.

A man died after falling down a flight of stairs, and investigators believe the witness’s account could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The fatal fall occurred on Saturday, October 5th, in the afternoon. The man reportedly fell down the stairs, remained lying at the bottom, and later succumbed to his injuries.

According to police spokesman Jan Rybanský, the witness likely saw the entire event and may have noticed crucial details that were not captured on surveillance footage.

“It is possible that the young man observed additional factors, such as the causes of the fall, which are not visible in the seized records,” said Rybanský.

Footage from a security camera reveals that the young man noticed the victim lying at the bottom of the stairs. He initially turned to leave but then took photos with his mobile phone before walking away.

Police are urging anyone who recognizes the young man, knows his identity, or has information about the incident to contact the emergency line at 158.

Rybanský also appealed directly to the witness, encouraging him to visit any police station or call the emergency line to provide his testimony.

Authorities believe the witness’s account could be pivotal in clarifying the events leading to the man’s death.