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Farewell to the traditional pub: Lahodny is facing final demolition!
The traditional Lahodny restaurant in the Danube city is closing permanently. Demolition is planned for a new residential complex.
Farewell to the traditional pub: Lahodny is facing final demolition!
The traditional Lahodny restaurant on the corner of Aspernstrasse and Hausfeldstrasse, a popular meeting place for Donaustadt residents, is facing demolition. After more than 80 years in the restaurant business, the history of the restaurant, which was known for social events, funeral ceremonies and unforgettable memories, ended in 2020. The closure was officially announced in December 2020, with the corona pandemic listed as the main reason. Although the restaurant offered a pick-up service during the lockdown, this was not enough to sustain operations, Manuela and Wolfgang Lahodny wrote on their website.
Real estate development has also become more important in the Danube city in recent years. The Lahodny was sold at the end of 2019, and the new owner, OrsuzTen GmbH, is now planning to demolish the building in order to build a new residential complex on this site. A corresponding notice has already been received and demolition is not expected until the end of 2026 at the earliest. As a result, a total of 15 jobs will be lost, which is difficult news for many of those affected in the current economic situation. The catering industry has been under enormous pressure in recent years due to the pandemic, which also affects the future of many restaurants in Vienna.
The effects of the pandemic
The corona pandemic has hit the catering industry hard. From November 3, 2020, restaurants in the region were no longer allowed to serve guests. Many traditions and family businesses had to close because they were unable to operate profitably under the new legal requirements. Wolfgang Lahodny had explained in an interview that they could not generate enough income to maintain operations without further damage. This reflects the reality that many restaurateurs have had to contend with as high hygiene requirements and the need to digitalize services became more pressing.
A lot has changed in the industry in the last four years after the first lockdowns. New hygiene standards, an increased digitalization strategy and even a change in guest expectations have shaped the catering industry. Although some businesses have found creative solutions, such as delivery services and takeaway offerings, the skills shortage remains a major obstacle. Many employees have left the industry due to the uncertainty and changes.
A new chapter for the Danube city
The demolition of the Lahodny therefore also represents a change in the Danube city. More and more old traditions and gastronomic culture are giving way to housing construction and new residential projects, which have to take into account the increasing demand due to immigration and urban growth. While many Lorraine restaurants represent an important piece of Viennese culture, there is also a growing need to respond to the changing living needs of the population. OrsuzTen GmbH certainly sees potential here to create new living space in a constantly changing neighborhood.
The tragic closure of Lahodny is not only a loss of a traditional restaurant, but also a sign of the profound change that our society has experienced as a result of the corona pandemic. What happens next remains to be seen, but the traces of history will live on in the memories of the people of Donaustadt.