Café Maret has existed in Lübeck for more than 200 years. It will close its doors at the end of January – but possibly not forever.
Lübeck – Café Maret is an institution on the market square in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. The Heidelberg master confectioner Johann Gerhard Maret founded it in 1786 and it has been a popular destination ever since. Now the café is on the verge of closure because the city as owner has not fulfilled its obligations. That's what they report Lübeck news.
Niederegger uses the right of termination in the rental agreement
The Niederegger company, which is best known for its marzipan and praline production, now runs the café. The company says that there has been a backlog of renovations in recent years, which has now required the drastic decision. “There has been an urgent need to renovate the premises, especially the kitchen and toilets, for several years,” says Kathrin Gaebel, head of corporate communications at Niederegger. “Unfortunately, a start to the renovation has not yet been planned.”
The renovation was part of the rental agreement with the city of Lübeck. A corresponding clause gives the tenant the right to terminate the contract if the owner does not fulfill his obligations. Niederegger has now applied the right of termination.
The renovation of Café Maret offers too little planning certainty
In its budget, the city of Lübeck has, among other things, planned renovations to the building services, the roof, the facade and the external areas of the town hall courtyard. Planning is scheduled to begin in 2024 and extend into 2026. Only then can work begin on one of the most important places in the Baltic Sea city.
Gaebel explains that the café operator lacked planning security due to these circumstances. “Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict whether and when the renovation work can start in the next six to eight years,” she says. “And under the renovation work itself, café operations would only be possible to a very limited extent.”
Niederegger does not rule out the return of Café Maret
Customers can enjoy coffee and cake in Café Maret until the end of January. After that, the doors will close – but perhaps not forever. “If the opportunity arises, we could easily imagine running a café in the premises again,” says Gaebel about a possible return to the space. Niederegger will continue to employ some of Café Maret's employees at his headquarters in the future.
Ippen Digital asked the Lübeck city administration several questions about its role in the café closure. The request initially remained unanswered on Thursday.
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