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Wirt closes after 40 years: The end of the village tavern in Hardert!
Landlord Hans-Peter Berg is closing the legendary guesthouse “Zur Dorfschänke” in Hardert at the end of the year. What happens after that?
Wirt closes after 40 years: The end of the village tavern in Hardert!
In Hardert, a small but beautiful town in the Rhenish landscape, the signs are saying goodbye: landlord Hans-Peter Berg has announced that he will close the Gasthof-Pension “Zur Dorfschänke” at the end of the year. After almost 40 years full of stories and cozy hours, the 76-year-old wants to hang up his apron and start a new phase of his life. However, what will happen to the traditional restaurant after it closes remains unclear. Rhein-Zeitung reports that Berg starts his days early in the morning with breakfast for the guesthouse guests and that the rustic nature of the restaurant is appreciated in the sociable bar room.
The inn, which is part of the gastronomy in Hardert run by Kerstin and Sergio Corona, impresses not only with its inviting ambience, but also with its appealing offerings. Guests can look forward to a rich menu and celebrate in a modern, stylish setting. When you visit, you shouldn't miss the covered beer garden with a playground for the little ones. In Hardert, where hospitality is very important at the “Dorfschänke” and the “Hotel zur Post”, things are currently looking a little bleaker.
Challenges in the catering industry
Current developments in the catering industry show that it is becoming increasingly challenging even for established businesses. According to a report by the daily news Around 14,000 catering establishments closed in 2023, which severely shook the industry. Smaller companies are particularly affected: 88 percent of insolvencies affect establishments with up to ten employees. The catering industry is not only struggling with the aftereffects of the corona pandemic, but also with rising prices and a lack of staff. Around 48,000 businesses have had to close their doors since 2020.
An important factor that will aggravate the situation is the planned increase in sales tax for food to 19 percent from January 2024. This measure could put additional pressure on many businesses that are already operating at the limit. Experts expect that more than 15,000 catering establishments in Germany will be at risk of insolvency by the end of 2024. Ingrid Hartges, general manager of DEHOGA, describes the situation as “bitter”, which makes the challenges even clearer.
The uncertainties in the catering industry also reflect the situation in Hardert, where the future remains uncertain after the closure of the “Dorfschänke”. It remains to be seen whether it will be possible to find a successor or to develop a different concept for the historic place. In the meantime, the guests can only use the remaining months in the “Dorfschänke” and preserve the memories of a long tradition.
The end of the “Dorfschänke” will be a bitter loss for the locals and the numerous regular guests. The warm atmosphere and family hospitality that Hans-Peter Berg has cultivated over almost four decades will certainly be missed in the region.