Pandemic, energy prices, personnel concerns – even in Ansfelden (Upper Austria) a local owner has to give up. Patrick Weber of “La Mare” explains why.
“I am no longer willing to sacrifice my life,” says Patrick Weber (31) of restaurant “La Mare” in Ansfelden, explaining why the pizzeria will be closed from September.
Decisive factors were the lack of new staff, the ever rising food and energy prices and the limited time with the family.
Lasted seven years
“I have three children at home and they just grow out of you. Normally we have always had a permanent staff from ten to twelve. There are now eight of us and can only get by with temporary workers, most of whom are former interns. Otherwise it wouldn’t have worked for a long time,” says Weber, who started as head chef in 2013 and took over the restaurant in September 2015. After seven years full of experiences, challenges and obstacles, it will now be over on August 28.
Price explosion is also a problem
“Last month we paid 1,400 euros for electricity, now we were at 4,200 euros. The gas was still within limits, but how food prices are rising is insane. And that’s just the beginning, it will only get worse. But you can do not pass on the prices, because otherwise you will no longer have guests,” Weber calculates.
guests cried
For the employees and regular customers, the end of “La Mare” is a bitter blow. “We have had women there who cried when we told them about our decision. But if you explain the motives to them, most of them understand,” says the restaurateur. But there is hope: the search for a new tenant continues. There are already some interested people.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
