Many a regular guest will surely have to shed a tear: The Schongau bistro "Valentin" - a popular institution with young and old for 30 years - opens for the last time on Shrove Sunday.
Schongau
– The counter in the Schongau bistro “Valentin” is still empty this afternoon.
But soon the first places will be filled there: The after-work group usually meets for a sundowner from 5 to 8 p.m. in the evening before going home.
Then the boys come to darts.
But also the regular guests who have been meeting there for decades in the "Valle" directly at the Butterwerks junction in Schongau.
Andrea and Franz Muschler are closing their bistro "Valtentin" - after more than 30 years
"Our oldest regular guests are now over 70 years old," says Andrea Muschler.
Together with her husband Franz, she has been the soul of the bistro for 33 years.
"The Wirtsleit are of one heart and soul", describes a visitor in a Google review.
Despite this success story: On Carnival Sunday, the "Valentin" opens its doors for the last time, and then the Muschler couple say "Servus" with a huge farewell party in Schongau.
Bistro "Valentin" is closing - Always there for the guests
Anyone hoping for sentimental farewell words this evening will have to wait a long time: "We're not," says Franz Muschler - even if the "Valentin" has long since become something like home.
Maybe a couple of nice farewell songs, then the door closes.
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Self-adulation: none.
After all, behind the counter he and his Andrea always held back, listened and gave others their attention.
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An institution in Schongau: The "Valentin" bistro has been around for 33 years.
© Herald
"When it's at its best, you should stop," Andrea and Franz Muschler agree after more than three decades behind the counter and in the small bistro kitchen.
At least that's the case for the nightly bar business, which has become more and more of a substance over the years.
Open every day from 4 p.m. until late at night, with the exception of one day off per week: when you get into your late 50s, it becomes increasingly exhausting.
Bistro in Schongau closes after 33 years - move to Schwabniederhofen
For this reason alone, the long-established Schongau innkeepers have made a far-reaching decision: they are closing the "Valentin" bistro, moving out of the apartment above and tackling something new that better suits the current phase of life.
Together they take over the former "Café Schönach" in Schwabniederhofen.
The municipality of Altenstadt recently invested heavily in the redesign of the sports and leisure area with a beach volleyball facility, which also includes the former small sports center.
This will be called "Valentin" from April.
The term "bistro" will then be dropped, loosely based on the motto: "New location, new concept".
Reduced opening times for a better quality of life
At least a bit.
Because in their hearts they both carry "their Valentine".
"The new "Valentin" should be designed with the flair of the current one - so it will somehow remain Valentine."
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The Muschlers are keeping the proven menu in the new "Valentin".
The small but fine restaurant with an XXL beer garden on the Schönach also offers ice cream and cake.
So the many cyclists who like to take a break there also get their money's worth.
The bowling alley in the basement is also new.
By the way, a guest made the contact for the new location, the two reveal.
Farewell party preparations underway
The fact that the Muschlers are turning their backs on the popular location in Schongau has nothing to do with the fact that the building was recently sold.
"We just wanted to change, to calm down," explains landlady Andrea.
"A 'chillier' pub and not so late at night," adds her husband Franz.
The two now have two granddaughters.
Of course, one would like to have a little more time.
It's for the Muschlers.
Because the opening hours in particular will change at the new location.
The innkeepers treat themselves to two days off a week.
And in the evening: It ends at 11 p.m.
Really?
Landlord Franz still looks a bit skeptical.
Closing time so early?
Will the Muschlers really stick it out?
At least they still believe in it.
Regulars want to move with them
But you can't even think about the end of the day.
The preparations for the big carnival party in the "Valle" - a highlight in the Schongau party calendar - are underway.
First of all, it will be the last big bash that takes place in these rooms.
Because: There is no successor for the Muschlers yet.
The rooms should be empty for now.
This is not the only reason why the Muschlers are happy that many guests have already announced that they will be commuting to Schwabniederhofen in the future to stay with their beloved landlords Andrea and Franz.
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