NEWS RELEASE April 2, 2002
Schneithorst's Hofamberg Inn to Close;
Adjacent Kaffee Haus Could Expand
Team Assembled to Consider Development Options for Site
ST. LOUIS --- Schneithorst's Hofamberg Inn, at Lindbergh and Clayton roads in Ladue will close on Tuesday, April 30 after 45 years as St. Louis' premier German-style restaurant. The restaurant's owner and operator is evaluating options to expand the adjacent Kaffee Haus, which opened in 1996.
"It's been an extremely difficult and wrenching decision to make," said Jim Schneithorst Jr., president. "Schneithorst's has always enjoyed a loyal following among St. Louis restaurant-goers and event planners, and it's difficult to move on from that success."
But Schneithorst said the building systems at Schneithorst's now show the wear-and-tear of the years. "Our original building is in need of major upgrading. The expense of maintenance and repairs to our boiler and plumbing and mechanical systems now surpasses what our business operations can fund," he said.
Next door at the more casual and brighter Kaffee Haus, business has surpassed the namesake restaurant. "Consumer tastes have changed, and casual dining has growing, widespread appeal," he said. "We serve business people and families at breakfast, lunch and dinner. By focusing our total efforts on the Kaffee Haus, Bierkeller lounge and outdoor Biergarten, we'll be able to maintain our high standards and continue to meet customer expectations."
Schneithorst is exploring options to expand the 5,000-square-foot Kaffee Haus. Construction would be scheduled to ensure that operation of the Kaffee Haus, which is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., would not be interrupted.
A limited number of Schneithorst's staff will join the 60-member Kaffee Haus staff. Approximately 80 full-time and part-time employees will be assisted in job placement with other restaurants and hotels.
"Our staff is our best asset. Other operators will be eager to hire them," Schneithorst stated.
Schneithorst's staff will assist customers with re-booking events scheduled beyond Schneithorst's April 30 closing date at other venues.
Schneithorst has assembled a design-build team to develop a long-term strategy and explore development options for the 3.2-acre site. The team is led by Hensley Construction, Inc. and includes Mitchell & Hugeback Architects, Inc. and commercial real estate broker Ted Martin of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker.
Prior to opening Schneithorst's Hofamberg Inn in 1956, St. Louis restaurateur Arthur B. Schneithorst operated the Bevo Mill in south St. Louis with his parents for the family of August Busch Sr. Arthur Schneithorst also established catering services at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. His son, Jim Schneithorst Sr., joined the business in 1964. Together they operated the restaurant until Arthur Schneithorst's death in 1994. Jim Schneithorst Sr. retired from the business this year. His son, Jim Schneithorst Jr., has been in charge of operations since 1994.
In 2001, a total of 450,000 meals were served at Hofamberg Inn and Kaffee Haus.
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