Amicable Resolution: The Case of the Historic Café Landtmann’s Rental Dispute

Amicable Resolution: The Case of the Historic Café Landtmann’s Rental Dispute

End of a Long-Standing Dispute

The longstanding rental dispute involving the historic Café Landtmann in Vienna, operated by Querfeld’s Wiener Kaffeehaus GmbH, and its landlord Novoreal AG, has been resolved amicably via a court settlement. The dispute proceedings that had been in progress since 2021 have been mutually and peacefully concluded, eliminating the need for the previously scheduled litigation hearing on September 29, 2023.

Continuation of Operations

Querfeld’s Wiener Kaffeehaus GmbH will continue to operate Café Landtmann at its current location. Berndt Querfeld, the proprietor of the café, expressed his satisfaction with the resolution and the continuation of the collaboration with Novoreal. Dr. Martina Schmidradner, a board member of Novoreal AG, also welcomed the resolution, stating that they had found a fair solution through partnership and mutual cooperation.

A Historic Café in Vienna

Open since 1873, Café Landtmann is perhaps one of the oldest establishments along the Ringstrasse. It is housed in a neobaroque structure with a wedding cake facade. Over its near-century of existence, the café has been frequented by luminaries, making it a significant part of Vienna’s cultural and social history. It is a popular meeting place for actors, politicians, officials, and journalists and is often the scene of press conferences. The café’s strategic location near the Burgtheater, the University of Vienna, the Town Hall with the Rathauspark, and the Federal Chancellery makes it a central part of city life.

Lessons Learned

This case provides a valuable lesson about the importance of constructive dialogue and negotiation in resolving disputes. It demonstrates the potential of peaceful resolution to preserve relationships and ensure the continuity of operations, even amid complex disagreements. The resolution of the dispute between Querfeld’s Wiener Kaffeehaus GmbH and Novoreal AG upholds the legacy of Café Landtmann and allows it to continue serving as a historic and cultural landmark in Vienna.