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Restaurant Monroe's in Elmshorn closes - operators denounce the city!
Elmshorn: Restaurant Monroe's is closing due to declining visitor numbers and a lack of staff. Operators criticize city administration.
Restaurant Monroe's in Elmshorn closes - operators denounce the city!
In Elmshorn things are currently going haywire on Marktstrasse. The Monroe's restaurant closed its doors at the end of October 2025, posing major challenges not only to its loyal guests, but also to the operators Christian Krüger and Uwe Schaefer. The decision was not easy, but the operators simply no longer saw any future prospects. The continuous decline in visitor numbers and an acute shortage of staff got on both of their nerves, so they could no longer operate on their own. With a clear voice, they criticize the city of Elmshorn for its inadequate support and lack of interest in the renaissance of Marktstrasse, which they describe as “dead”. Even the light market doesn't seem to be able to improve the situation.
The operators are calling for targeted city marketing campaigns to revitalize Marktstrasse. However, Ralf Hots-Thomas, the new head of city marketing, rejects these allegations. “There have been numerous efforts and regular dealer meetings,” he explains. Nevertheless, Marktstrasse remains characterized by structural problems, such as a high level of vacant shops and a lack of investment in real estate. The city has a lot of catching up to do here.
The general situation in the catering industry
But the situation is not only tense in Elmshorn. Restaurateurs and hoteliers throughout Germany are also struggling with a significant decline in sales. According to the sueddeutschen.de In May 2023 they recorded a decline of 2.2 percent compared to the previous month, or even 4.6 percent when adjusted for inflation. Restaurants and pubs fell by 3.9 percent, while hotels and accommodation companies even recorded a decline of 7 percent. The catering industry's fears that this development will lead to increasing price sensitivity and consumer restraint among guests are justified. More and more people are looking for cheap meals and saving on extras.
Many innkeepers and hotels are hoping that the new federal government will permanently reduce the VAT on food in the catering industry from 19 to 7 percent from January 1, 2026. This measure could provide some relief, but long-term challenges remain. “The economic limit for many companies has been reached,” warns Guido Zöllick, President of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga.
A look into the future
A ray of hope for Krüger and Schaefer could also be a new beginning: They are planning to open a bistro on Bahnhofsplatz in Tornesch, which is scheduled to open on August 1, 2026. The operators hope that they will have more success there than on Marktstrasse in Elmshorn. The future remains uncertain, but the dishes in the catering establishments will soon have to change again.