Future of Cologne's Rheinparkcafé uncertain: insolvency administrator is looking for solutions

Future of Cologne's Rheinparkcafé uncertain: insolvency administrator is looking for solutions

The Cologne catering scene has suffered another severe setback: on July 1, 2025, insolvency proceedings against Parkcafé GmbH & Co. KG were opened at the Cologne District Court. The causes? Insolvency and over-indebtedness, as the insolvency administrator Jens Olinger explained. Now time is of the essence, because numerous events that were supposed to take place in the coming months have been secured until the end of September, and the event calendar of the popular Rheinparkcafé will also remain well-filled until the end of the year, as Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

Roberto Campione, the café's operator, expressed optimism about the future of the business. He plans to do everything he can to keep the café running and is thinking about a new form of company. Campione, who also runs the Hotel Monte Christo, has already gained experience in the catering industry and is no stranger to the Cologne political world; In 2020 he ran as a mayoral candidate and received 14,122 votes. In the upcoming mayoral election, he is now running for the new party “Kölner Stadt-Gesellschaft”, as Express reports.

The challenges of gastronomy

The situation in the catering sector is tense. The industry is suffering greatly from the consequences of the last few years, particularly due to inflation and increased costs. Insolvency cases in the catering industry increased by 27 percent between 2022 and 2023. The situation has worsened, especially in the area of ​​restaurants and pubs, but insolvencies remain below the level before the corona pandemic, which has a certain positive note. Young companies are particularly affected, as an analysis by Creditreform makes clear. Almost half of the bankruptcies affect companies that are five years old or less.

The insolvency administrator of the Rheinparkcafé, Jens Olinger, was optimistic that he would receive offers from renowned Cologne restaurateurs who are interested in taking over. An ideal handover date for a new operator would be August 1st. Campione has also assured that all booked weddings and events will be carried out safely, although he sees the company's legacy issues as a challenge.

A landmark in the Cologne cityscape

The listed Rheinparkcafé was originally built in 1957 for the Federal Garden Show and has once again become a popular location for events since its renovation, which cost a whopping 6.5 million euros. The café offers an inviting beer garden, an event level and a sun deck, which has established it as a first-class location for weddings and corporate events. Campione has previously highlighted the site's diverse uses, including as part of city programs to employ young and long-term unemployed people.

A creditors' meeting will take place on October 1st, at which creditors can register their claims. Until the financial situation is clarified, the café will remain under the management of Campione, who wants to do everything in his power to save the business and preserve the location for the people of Cologne.