Allu’s grill, which helped Mika Häkki go bankrupt – This is what the legendary dish looked like

The legend of the Allu grill is coming to an end. Matti Kyllönen visited the restaurant often. Jarno Juuti, Pasi Liesimaa

Allu grilli, located in Vantaa and strongly connected to Finnish F1 history, filed for bankruptcy on Monday.

The news got the legendary F1 commentator Matti Kyllönen, 74, to be upset. Kyllönen has warm memories of the place.

– It’s a bit sad that that time is now behind Allu’s grill, says Kyllönen.

– It was Mika Häkkinen base, and they (the owners of the grill) supported Mika during the small formula era. They were close family acquaintances, and in that respect this is certainly a sad thing for Mika as well. That’s what I believe.

Allu grill was founded 51 years ago Airi Kotilainen told Iltalehte that the restaurant owes 40,000 euros. The operation will only continue if a patron is found.

Gas money

Bankruptcy is always a tough place for an entrepreneur, but the downfall of any grill restaurant would not be national news.

Allu grilli became a sponsor of Mika Häkkinen’s car racing hobby in the 80s, when the Finn was not yet a star and when finding sponsors was not yet easy for the young promise.

Kyllönen agrees with the idea that Allu’s grill deserves its own mention in Finnish motorsport history.

– Without a doubt, sponsorship was very important in Mika’s career. The sums have not been disclosed, but it was certainly used to finance trips to Europe when going karting around. Gas money, Kyllönen thinks.

– I have the impression that Mika has been in contact with Air and the employees. It has been a family business and they are family acquaintances.

– Surely Mika remembers these times fondly.

A hearty steak

Due to the close relationship between Mika Häkkinen and the owners of Allu grill, Kyllönen also visited the restaurant often.

Häkkinen and Kyllönen headed to Allu’s grill after the World Championship title was secured in Suzuka, Japan in 1998. Kyllönen also celebrated his 50th birthday at the motor restaurant.

– There were about 100 people there. Mika and I were often there at the same time. We did interviews there because there was a lot of props related to Mika.

In Kyllönen’s opinion, Allu grill’s strengths were warm, personal service and good food.

The legendary narrator recalls that he always ate at the restaurant “Häkä” special.

– It was a hearty steak. My stomach was full. When I myself had guests with me when I went there, we left with quite a rush.