Café Sacher is currently shut down today.
The historic Café Sacher in Graz, known for its famous Sachertorte and elegant Viennese charm, will be closing its doors for the last time on Good Friday, after 22 years of operation[1]. The closure comes as a surprise to many, as the coffeehouse was a cherished meeting spot for locals and visitors alike.
Despite its popularity, the Sacher Group, the coffeehouse's operator, announced that no feasible solutions could be found to increase sales or reduce costs, making the establishment economically unviable since its opening in 2002[1]. Matthias Winkler, CEO of the Sacher Group, shared that they explored every possibility to bring the coffeehouse back into the black, but to no avail.
The city of Graz owns the premises where Café Sacher was located, and several interested parties have reportedly made inquiries about the future use of the space, according to ORF Steiermark[1]. However, the future plans for the location have yet to be disclosed.
The tense parking situation in the city centre may have contributed to the closure of Café Sacher, although this has not been confirmed. The coffeehouse, located on Herrengasse, has achieved a cult status among its patrons, who will undoubtedly feel the loss of this beloved piece of Graz's coffeehouse history.
[1] ORF Steiermark. (n.d.). Café Sacher in Graz schließt nach 22 Jahren. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.orf.at/news/steiermark/2023/03/cafe-sacher-in-graz-schliesst-nach-22-jahren.205749971
With the closure of Café Sacher, a beloved establishment known for offering a taste of Viennese charm and serving the famous Sachertorte, the Sacher Group finds itself facing financial hardships, as the coffeehouse wasn't profitable, despite numerous attempts to reduce costs and increase sales[1]. As patrons reminisce about their cherished moments spent in this iconic home-and-garden setting, they can't help but wonder about the future prospect of their lifestyle embracing a new cosy corner within the city of Graz.
