Future of the Cologne Rheinparkcafé uncertain: Insolvency administrator is looking for solutions

Future of the Cologne Rheinparkcafé uncertain: Insolvency administrator is looking for solutions

The Cologne restaurateur scene has once again suffered a bitter setback: On July 1, 2025, the insolvency proceedings via Parkcafé GmbH & Co. KG were opened before the Cologne District Court. The causes? Insoluity and over -indebtedness, as the insolvency administrator Jens Olinger explained. Now the time is pressing, because numerous events that should take place in the coming months are secured by the end of September, and the event calendar of the popular Rheinparkcafé remains well filled until the end of the year, as [Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger] (https://mobil.ksta.de/koeln/koelnerstadt/deutz/koelner-rheinparkcaf-insolvenzvergter-pricht-mit- interesting-1056723) reports.

Roberto Campione, the operator of the café, expressed optimistic about the future of the company. He plans to do everything possible to continue the café and think about a new form of society. Campione, who also operates the Hotel Monte Christo, has already gained experience in gastronomy and is no stranger to the Cologne politician; In 2020 he competed as an OB candidate and received 14,122 votes. In the upcoming mayor election, he now competes for the new party "Kölner Stadt-Gesellschaft", as Express reports.

The challenges of gastronomy

The situation in the catering sector is tense. The industry suffers greatly from the consequences of recent years, especially due to inflation and increased costs. Insolvency cases between 2022 and 2023 in catering rose by 27 percent. The location has tightened, especially in the area of ​​restaurants and restaurants, but the bankruptcies remain below the level in front of Corona pandemic, which has a certain positive note. Young companies, such as an analysis of [Creditreform] (https://www.creditreform.de/koeln/aktuelles-wissen/Pressem reports-fachbeitrage/Show/Krisengerchenungen-in-Der-gastronomie-48000-Seit-2020), are illustrated. Almost half of the bankruptcies affect companies that are a maximum of five years old.

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

a landmark in the Cologne cityscape

The listed Rheinparkcafé was originally built for the Federal Garden Show in 1957 and has been a popular place for events since its renovation, which cost a proud 6.5 million euros. The café offers an inviting beer garden, an event level and a sun deck, which has established itself as a first -class location for weddings and company events. Campione has highlighted the diverse use of the site in the past, also within the framework of urban programs for the employment of young unemployed and long -term unemployed people.

On October 1, a believer meeting will take place in which creditors can register their claims. Until the financial situation has been clarified, the Café led by Campione, which wants to set everything in motion to save the company and to maintain the location for the Cologne population.