Emotional closure: Feinkost Seemann says goodbye after 20 years!

Emotional closure: Feinkost Seemann says goodbye after 20 years!

It is an emotional farewell in Cologne-Bayenthal: After 20 successful years, the popular delicatessen shop “Feinkost Seemann” is closing its doors. Sabine and Ernst Seemann, who run the business together, have to take this step for health reasons and due to the lack of successors. Sabine, 56, has health problems including high blood pressure and pneumonia that influenced the decision to close. “We are so sorry, but we don’t have the strength to continue running the store,” she explains, concerned. Ernst, 59, originally comes from near Salzburg and has created a little piece of Austria for himself with his wife in Cologne-Bayenthal.

The delicatessen, which can be found at Goltsteinstrasse 87a, has built up a loyal customer base and is known for its Austrian specialties. Whether it's pot cake, Julius Meinl coffee, Kaiserschmarrn or the popular spinach dumplings - the Seemanns have offered an extensive menu that has become increasingly popular for connoisseurs. Not only were delicacies sold every day, but lunches with typical Austrian dishes were also offered, which invited many to linger and chat.

The last day of opening

The store will open its doors for the last time on Saturday, November 8th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “We would like to say goodbye to our customers and thank you for the many years full of friendships and beautiful memories,” emphasizes Sabine. In particular, the owners will miss the personal connection with regular customers. “It feels like a piece of home that we are leaving behind,” said Ernst, referring to the changes that have been decided.

The closure is not only due to health challenges, but also because the store is in dire need of renovation. The equipment and interior are over 20 years old and would require large investments that cannot be guaranteed without suitable staff who are familiar with Austrian specialties. “We would have liked to continue the business, but circumstances forced us to take a new path,” says Ernst.

A new phase of life

The lease for the store expires at the end of November, and after intensive discussions, the Seemanns decided to return to Austria to support Ernst's parents. “We are looking for new employment, this time with a five-day week,” they report optimistically about their plans for the future. During the clearing work in November, a chapter comes to an end that was not only characterized by culinary delicacies, but also by many encounters and friendships.

Delis like the Seemanns' are a valuable institution in Germany and are considered the first port of call for gourmets. Similar businesses that cultivate culinary heritage are flourishing in cities like Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. They are more than just outlets; They are social meeting places that promote the exchange of culture and enjoyment, as Schnitter also states.

As this special meeting place in Cologne-Bayenthal shows, with the closure of “Feinkost Seemann” not only is a business lost, but also a bit of culture and a community that has grown over the years. The last few days in the store can be a warm farewell, and many will surely stop by again to say thank you and enjoy the last treats.

It will be a difficult farewell for long-time regular customers, but the Seemanns are looking back to Austria with hope for new adventures. Opening the door one last time will be an emotional event for everyone involved.