The story of a grill that has been in operation for more than 50 years is coming to an end.
The formula restaurant Allun Grilli, located in Myyrmäki, Vantaa, has filed for bankruptcy. The founder who ran the restaurant for a total of 51 years Airi Kotilainen75, says that with these prospects, the last portions will be distributed to customers next week.
– This will probably end on Friday of next week. Unless something surprising happens, Kotilainen says.
Like many others, the grill, which has struggled with increased costs, is having trouble with its lease. The place also couldn’t find a buyer anywhere to continue the operation.
– It creates uncertainty that, in theory, our landlord has grounds to terminate our contract due to unpaid or overdue rents at will. Secondly, of course, we cannot be sure that the flow of customers will continue to be as abundant as it has been now, Air’s daughter Marianne Kotilainen more.
Kotilainen mentions that many of the customers and acquaintances were ready to help. They wanted to donate money. Ideas about organizing the collection have also been heard.
The legend of the grill founded by Airi Kotilainen is coming to an end. PASI LEISMA
– People have wanted to help. They have asked if there is an account to donate to. We can’t set one up when we need our own permits.
Despite the dark times, the current grill, which started its story as Allu’s cafe in the 1970s, has received a last minute boost, as the number of customers has increased during the past week. Kotilainen mentions that the reading sometimes rose to double the normal. Those who last visited decades ago have also come to eat lunch.
However, the restaurant has had to move a couple of times during its history, which has contributed to breaking customer relations.
“Don’t Stop”
Especially the feedback given by the customers warms up the operator of the grill.
– Customers have come to say “don’t stop”. There will be so much gratitude that I can’t carry it to the kitchen. About food and everything. It’s been really wonderful.
Airi Kotilainen says he will retire. The fate of the daughters involved in the operation of the restaurant does not concern the mother.
– Minna and Marianne are really energetic, and I don’t doubt for a second that they won’t get work. Both are customer friendly and always take good care of their customers.
There is still no information about the decision makers of the restaurant, which will serve lunch for the last time on September 22. The founder leaves the responsibility for it to the younger ones.
Formula items available
Airi and Minna Kotilainen will prepare the grill’s last lunches on Friday next week. PASI LEISMA
In addition to good food and customer service, the attraction of Allu grill is the formula-themed interior. The restaurant offers, among other things Mika Häkkinen and Keke Rosberg’s used driving overalls and helmets. The handsome Prize Cabinet hides several trophies inside, which Mika Salo has donated.
Allun Grilli, whose full name is Motor Restaurant, was the first sponsor of Häkkinen’s career.
All formula treasures are Kotilainen’s personal property. When the grill is finished, he is ready to negotiate about selling them.
– If someone wants to put them in their own sports restaurant or similar, we can gladly negotiate about them.
Restaurateurs do not have enough time for a separate auction.
– It has its own charm. There’s been enough of that already.