Dozens of bars switched off the lights forever. Corona and the measures against the virus have brought many hosts to their knees. Now two celebrity restaurateurs are throwing in the towel.
One because of late health effects from corona. The other because he can no longer pay the rent. Michael Eilhoff (62) from “Lutter&Wegner seit 1811” and Harry Wolleschack (55) from “Die Eselin von A.” stop.
In the BZ they report on the tragic bankruptcies.
Harry Wolleschack (55) from “The Donkey from A.”
The candles in the “Donkey from A.” are blown out, the gate to the wine garden is closed. Harry Wolleschack (55), who has been running his restaurant for 24 years, only moved into the old restaurant rooms on Schloßstraße two and a half years ago. He put 35,000 euros into the modernization of the rooms.
A week ago he returned the keys. “Corona is a third to blame, and I’m partly to blame,” he says. “And the landlord didn’t want to go down with the rent, which is at Kudamm level. I would have loved to have continued.”
In August, Wolleschack filed for bankruptcy. “We were always well attended,” says the boss. “But there were the corona restrictions. I had to look for the staff again after the lockdown. But the market was empty. I implemented all the distance and hygiene rules, but that cost time, money and energy. And I was able to receive fewer guests.”
The busy host already has a new plan. “If the guests don’t come to us, I’ll come to the guests,” he says. “I am planning a catering service. With the donkey from A. to B!”
Michael Eilhoff (62) from “Lutter&Wegner since 1811”
Michael Eilhoff (62) from “Lutter&Wegner seit 1811” on Schlüterstraße does not know to this day where he contracted Corona in November 2020. He was in an artificial coma and had to be ventilated.
“A year ago I almost died,” says the long-Covid patient. He still has to go to physiotherapy. The oxygen bottle is his constant companion. “I no longer have the strength to continue running the restaurant as I used to,” he says.
In January, his wife Cindy extended the lease by ten years. “But a year ago I almost died. Then I would have been gone too.”
That opened his eyes: “I was there for others for 27 years. There are other things that are important in life. Now I want to be there for my wife. We haven’t taken a long vacation together in the last ten years.”
German cuisine will continue to be offered at “Lutter & Wegner”. “Every change is a new beginning,” says Michael Eilhoff. He found a successor.
“The chef Richard Reichelt is currently being trained by us. January 30 is the end for me for good.”
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