The beloved Lido Café at Luisenplatz in Frankfurt is closing its doors after 23 years, forced out by a drastic rent increase, leaving loyal patrons both angry and sad.
The Lido Café at Luisenplatz in Frankfurt has been a neighborhood staple for 23 years. However, by the end of August, the café will close its doors due to a significant rent hike.
Owner Claus Brunner explained to the Frankfurter Rundschau that the rent will increase by 70 percent over the next two years, with further negotiations to follow. This overwhelming hike has left Brunner and co-owner Regina Fischer no choice but to shut down the café. They are reluctant to raise prices to maintain their status as a neighborhood café, fearing that higher prices would attract a different clientele.
Regulars express sadness and outrage
Regular patrons have taken to social media to express their empathy and anger over the closure. One Facebook user wrote: “You are my absolute favorite café and a second home for many of us. It is simply sad that the excessive greed of a wealthy individual is destroying one of the last typical and cozy spots in Nordend.”
Other users have shown solidarity and are planning to fight the closure. “I’m in for everything! Sit-in. Petitions. Concert!” wrote another user on Facebook, receiving much support for this comment.
The future for the Lido Café’s owners remains uncertain. They aim to raise public awareness about their situation, as reported by Genussmagazin Frankfurt.
