Cleveland Businesses Blog Series
We continue our series of blog and social media posts that look at local small businesses and people that have been affected by the COVID-19 shutdown in Cleveland with an interview with Jennifer Wirtz of Der Braumeister, a local German restaurant in the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland.
Der Braumeister
Family owned and operated since 1983, Der Braumeister embraces “traditional German cuisine while creating seasonal American food through a contemporary Bavarian lens. Bending typical beer hall expectations one stein, schnitzel and spätzle at a time.”
How are you doing?
This was an easy question for Jennifer – exhausted and overwhelmed! The main reason is keeping up with and adapting to the changing rules of how we navigate daily life and still attempt to operate a restaurant.
How is Der Braumeister doing?
The restaurant has converted to a carry out restaurant. This has meant a major reduction in staff; the family works the restaurant now. It also meant a revamping of the menu, looking at which items hold up to being a carry out item. It also meant looking at the pricing. With so many folks out of work, how can the restaurant help provide affordable meals but still maintain an income.
They have now added online ordering as an option. This is something that they have wanted to do for a while but the crisis simply forced them into doing quicker than planned. The good news is this is an investment that will carry into the future.
They have reduced hours. This was gradual at first, getting deeper as time went on and since I conducted the interview they will now close starting April 25, 2020. Hopefully we will see them back very soon as we await the guidelines from the Governor about the gradual reopening of Ohio.
How is the staff?
The staff has applied for unemployment and Jennifer has been busy doing her part as the employer, to complete the necessary documentation to assist in the process. It has been just as challenging for her as the employer, as it has for her employees. They have been serving employee meals that the staff can pick up as well.
What have you been doing for fun?
Jennifer tells me, there has not been a lot of time for that. With just the family running the restaurant, she works from open to close. One thing that brings her peace is walking her dog around Jefferson Park. As far as TV, she says it has to be something light-hearted and fun. Pitch Perfect II has been viewed a couple times.
As far as where she eats, she said she has been eating at the restaurant way more than normal. When they were open for lunch and dinner this past month, that lull between the two became her time eat! But her and boyfriend have managed some take out from Ninja City in Gordon Square.
Reach Der Braumeister
The restaurant is located at 13046 Lorain Avenue in Cleveland, near Lorain and W. 130th St. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Their phone number is (216) 671-6220.
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