Bistro Rotheo closes: A heavy loss for seniors in Kattenturm!

Bistro Rotheo closes: A heavy loss for seniors in Kattenturm!

The Bistro Rotheo at Sonnenplatz, an important meeting point for many Bremen seniors in Kattenturm, is about to close. Manuela Schmidt, 65 years old and in a wheelchair, describes the bistro as her “second home” and emphasizes the essential accessibility and social interactions that exist there. But according to a statement from the Martinsclub, which runs the bistro, the business cannot be continued because the economic conditions no longer support what is stated in the report Weser courier can be read.

The closure, which is likely to take place towards the end of 2025, will result in a painful loss for many regular guests. After more than ten years as a subsidiary, the concept no longer held water and, despite loyal customers, the necessary sales could not be achieved. Ludwig Lagershausen from Sicher GmbH confirmed this in an article by Weser Report. In addition, other restaurants are also faced with personnel and financial difficulties, which are exacerbated by inflation and rising prices for energy and food.

Impact on the community

The loss of Bistro Rotheo is not only seen as a business setback, but rather as a blow to the community. Neighborhood manager Sandra Ahlers has already organized a day of action to collect ideas and suggestions from regular guests. Many insured people hope that a new meeting place could develop - for example through the idea of ​​a repair café, which is collected on a pin board.

“An unused infrastructure will disappear at some point,” warns 78-year-old Ursula Konieczny, summing up the fears of many visitors. Additionally, some guests expressed concerns about the maintenance conditions at the bistro, highlighting the challenges posed by such an inclusive approach.

The closure particularly affects people with disabilities who rely on barrier-free catering. Like from an article in the Human Action As can be seen, barriers in the catering industry are diverse. Access to restaurants can be challenging for wheelchair users and people with other mobility limitations.

Future prospects

Despite the difficult situation, Rotheo employees are not affected by layoffs. You will receive offers of further employment in other Martinsclub facilities in Huckelriede or Walle, where inclusive jobs are also offered. Martinsclub managing director Lagershausen emphasizes the importance of a social meeting place for the neighborhood and also sees the necessary closure as a loss.

For residents, there remains hope for a positive turnaround by the end of the year. The desire for a place that brings the community together and creates a safe space for all people, regardless of their abilities, remains strong in the air.