The restaurant suddenly has more guests because Friedrichstrasse is closed – BZ Berlin
Diversion to Wiener Schnitzel and beetroot risotto: Because Friedrichstrasse is closed to motorists, many struggle through side streets – and suddenly end up in the “gendarmerie”.
The restaurant around the corner from Gendarmenmarkt has significantly more guests due to the closure. “The cars take a detour, we are simply seen more,” says managing director Anna Maaß. “We have plenty of parking spaces in front of the house, the terrace is always jam-packed in the evening.”
Passers-by on a pilgrimage to the new city palace also pass the restaurant. Result: In July / August 100 percent increase in sales compared to 2019! Maaß proudly: “We have won many locals, they keep coming back.”
The corona crisis has seriously damaged the catering industry. First of all, sales were gone, then there was a lack of staff – many employees are looking for new jobs in the lockdown. It was different in the “gendarmerie”, where no one jumped off.
also read
► Senate delivers 2G in restaurants and the next vaccination round
► This host from Prenzlauer Berg has made his restaurant Corona-Winter-fit
How did Maaß do it? “We always kept in touch.” And supported: “I increased the stock because everyone didn’t have tips.” In addition, employees received a tax-free special payment of 1,500 euros.
Because things are going so well, the team of 42 employees was increased to 59 after the end of the lockdown.