Rainy Start for Thuringian Beer Gardens' Outdoor Season
Inclement weather impedes beer gardens from kicking off their yearly opening - Adverse weather conditions pose challenges for outdoor beer gardens
Hey there! Let's chat about the beginning of Thuringia's outdoor dining season, shall we?
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It's been a rollercoaster ride for beer garden operators, with their hopes for a booming business during the initial phase of May dashed by the whims of Mother Nature. As Dirk Ellinger, CEO of Dehoga Thuringia, puts it, "We were hoping for a warm and inviting spring, but... well, the weather hasn't been too kind."
While there were some bright spots, the not-so-pleasant weather kept most folks indoors. The main issue? You guessed it—the dreaded chill and unpredictable gusts! Even though the city centers of bigger towns offered some respite, rural locations and exposed sites remained a bit too chilly for patrons to linger outside.
But there's hope, with June just around the corner! Ellinger is optimistic that his fellow operators might see a surge in sales and customers once the weather warms up.
Another hiccup for these beverage connoisseurs is the persistent refusal of a reduction in the value-added tax, which has been a persistent problem for restaurants. Higher costs, staff shortages—these issues are nothing new for the hospitality industry. But the absence of a tax break is a problem that's really bugging operators.
Ellinger argues that altering the legal framework to allow for weekly maximum working hours rather than daily ones would be a game-changer. This adjustment could provide infinitely more flexibility, especially during those long, sultry summer evenings.
Now, how about those drink trends? Ellinger spots a growing preference for beer mixed drinks among the locals. But, just like our pal Stephan Fischer at the Steakhouse am Borntal in Erfurt points out, there's a steady decrease in traditional beer consumption.
Once upon a time, beer would be the clear (and potentially, clear-headed) choice. But nowadays, folks are contending with homemade lemonades and similar refreshing concoctions, which are turning out to be more popular—and arguably, healthier options.
Steffi Herrmann from the Platzhirsch restaurant in Erfurt's historic heart agrees. "We're seeing a noticeable shift towards quality over quantity, with guests craving a truly exceptional dining experience."
In the city center, it's becoming increasingly difficult to draw in guests who are just a stone's throw away from the hottest spots. But given the demand for light beverages like wine, beer, and spritz mixes on warmer days, take heart, operators; good weather is bound to bring in the crowds!
After the endless winter and the drizzly spring we've had, folks are longing to bask in the sunshine, beer garden in hand. Fischer is confident seasonal patrons are eager to soak up the sun and sip their favorite brews once again.
And hey, who knows—maybe one day, we'll see more Limonadas than Lagers across these Thuringian beer gardens!
Sources:
- Schloss & Park Altenstein: Experience a truly enchanting atmosphere during your stay in Thuringia, surrounded by a picturesque landscape and picturesque town center. Perfect for outdoor dining and activities when the weather cooperates (https://www.schloessaltenstein.de/en).
- Despite the rainy start, Dirk Ellinger, the CEO of Dehoga Thuringia, remains optimistic that the warmer weather in June will bring a surge in sales for Thuringia's beer garden operators.
- As people are craving a quality dining experience, Steffi Herrmann from the Platzhirsch restaurant in Erfurt's historic heart notes a shift in preference towards lighter beverages like wine, beer, and spritz mixes on warmer days.
- As beer garden operators in Thuringia face higher costs and staff shortages, Ellinger suggests altering the legal framework to allow for weekly maximum working hours, providing more flexibility during the summer.
