Traditional restaurant Lohdeel on Föhr closes after bankruptcy – what now?

Traditional restaurant Lohdeel on Föhr closes after bankruptcy – what now?

The traditional restaurant “Lohdeel” in Nieblum on the North Frisian island of Föhr had to close again. How moin.de reports, tenant Martin Möhring has filed for bankruptcy. This closure comes just before the high season on the North Sea, where there are usually many guests. A sign on the entrance door informs visitors: “Closed until further notice”. Reservations are canceled and the phone remains silent.

A look at the last operating period shows that the “Lohdeel” has been in operation again since July 2024, but the revival proved to be unsustainable. Before the closure there were only two employees and one trainee working in the restaurant. The building's owner, Holle Paulsen, expressed disappointment at the developments. She has been running the house since 2006 and has managed the restaurant herself for a long time. Over the years, the “Lohdeel” has had numerous changes in tenants, although the commitment of the operators often did not last long.

New concept and difficulties

The gastronomic mix of North German and French cuisine did not bring the hoped-for financial success. This surprises many regular guests, who found the restaurant to be pleasant and well attended, even in the cold season. Despite the difficult times, Holle Paulsen has assured that the “Lohdeel” will continue with a different personnel constellation. However, a specific date for reopening remains uncertain as the rooms will not be renovated until 2024. “Doing it well takes time and planning,” you might say.

However, the situation in the catering industry is particularly tense at the moment. How shz.de reports, numerous restaurants, not just on Föhr, are faced with existential challenges. The crises of the last few years, particularly due to inflation and increased costs, have hit the sector hard. In the period from 2022 to 2023, there was a 27% increase in restaurant bankruptcies. This is particularly at the expense of young companies that are no more than five years old.

Regional context

Schleswig-Holstein is particularly affected, with a 65% increase in bankruptcies. The economic environment has changed drastically, and an increase in sales tax on food has further complicated the situation. With constant challenges and the risk of another wave of closures, the industry finds itself at risk Credit reform explained.

The future of “Lohdeel” remains uncertain, but the hope for a new start is alive among Holle Paulsen and the community. It will be interesting to see what happens next with this traditional restaurant and whether it will soon be able to open its doors to hungry guests again.