Farewell to an ice cream parlor: Eimsbüttel loses loved meeting point

Farewell to an ice cream parlor: Eimsbüttel loses loved meeting point

in Hamburg Eimsbüttel there was an emotional farewell when the popular Eiscafé Elena on Heußweg finally closes the doors after 44 years. Generations of children picked up their ice cream with owner Christina Kyvranoglou and her mother Elena. For the little guests who grew up with the café, the loss is a bitter disappointment. "The children actually cry and are ready," says Christina, describing the reactions of the younger visitors who seriously cope with the loss of the small, family place.

From September 30th, the ice cream parlor will be history. The reason for the closure is not economic problems, but the decision of the long -term operators to make a new way of life. Christina Kyvranoglou, 50 years old, announced that she no longer wanted to work on independence. "It is hard to be self -employed," she explains and emphasizes that saying goodbye to the ice cream parlor is painful, but also a chance for a fresh start.

ice cream parlor as a central meeting point

The ice cream parlor was more than just a café - it was a place of encounter. For many children and their families from the neighborhood, it was like a second living room. Parents brought their little ones over, even if they weren't at home. "When a child had to come home without a key, it came to me," says Christina, who speaks of the warm -hearted relationships that have grown over the years. It is a community that shares many memories and which is difficult to let go.

At the age of 72, Elena Kyvranoglou, the founder of the ice cream parlor, moves into well -deserved retirement. She plans to spend the winter months in her homeland in Greece, which is due to the constant physical stress of the work in gastronomy. The closure is also a new stage for them. "The work is very exhausting," she reflects on the challenges she has mastered over the years.

Farewell to a familiar place

Farewell to the popular ice cream parlor is not only regretted by children, but also by adult regular customers. "What a shame, the ice tastes wonderful there and you can sit in peace under the trees," commented an enthusiastic customer on Facebook. Neighbors like the Café Braena also express her regret: "Our favorite neighbors. We will miss you so much!" Such statements show how deep the ice cream parlor was rooted in the community.

The Kyvranoglou family thanked Instagram for the nice years: "It was an incredibly nice time for us." They particularly shaped the experiences in which they could experience the development of children up close. "I grew up there, so to speak, and I saw the children big," writes Christina, who gives an emotional review with her own memories of this place.

The closure is a step that also brings changes in the use of the building. The owner has already announced that no gastronomy will be operated in the corner house on Heußweg. Instead, the establishment of offices is planned there. For the two women, this also means selling their entire facility, another step into the new phase of life.

Christina already has plans for a new job. She does not want to talk about the exact details yet, but the possibility of further developing the acquaintance with the children from the quarter remains. It is a farewell to a chapter, but also the beginning of something new.

The story of the Eiscafé Elena will live on in the heart of the Eimsbütteler. A place that has brought serenity and joy over the years will always take a special place in the community, even if the doors close on September 30th.