Munich Gastro Icon Thomas Hirschberger to Open Pop-Up Restaurant at Lake Tegernsee
Bad Wiessee, March 7 – The terrace of the former Hotel Seegarten in Bad Wiessee, which has stood vacant, is set to be transformed into a vibrant pop-up restaurant. Munich gastro icon Thomas Hirschberger, known for his successful ventures like ‘Hans im Glück’ and ‘Sausalitos’, is leading the project alongside business partners. The initiative aims to create a relaxed meeting point with chill-out music and a South Seas flair, with an anticipated opening by mid-March.
The idea for the temporary gastronomy project originated with Mayor Robert Kühn (SPD) of Bad Wiessee. Rock Capital Group, the property owner, quickly embraced the proposal and leveraged its contacts to bring Hirschberger and his team on board. Andreas Wißmeier, managing director of Rock Capital, presented the project on Thursday, March 5, alongside brothers Patrick and Philip Düwel, who are collaborating with Hirschberger on this venture.
A Spontaneous Idea to Revitalize the Lakeside
“The best things often happen spontaneously,” stated Wißmeier during the press conference. The Düwel brothers, who co-founded ‘Superschmarrn’ in Munich-a concept combining a Kaiserschmarrn restaurant, bar, and supermarket-will manage the Seegarten terrace for the next one to two summers. The location, offering sun, a glittering lake, and relaxed strollers, provides ideal conditions for the new concept.
Preparations are underway to ensure a swift opening. According to Wißmeier, the existing toilets at the Seegarten are functional, and a bar has already been constructed on the terrace. Pallet furniture, plants, deck chairs to create a casual atmosphere, and food trucks for dining options are expected to be in place shortly. Patrick Düwel, 32, expressed enthusiasm for an early opening, stating, “The weather is so beautiful, we want to take advantage of it.”
Addressing Local Concerns and Creating a Relaxed Atmosphere
Mayor Kühn presented the project just days before the municipal elections, a coincidence that also addresses recent complaints within the municipal council regarding the slow progress of revitalizing the lakeside promenade. Kühn emphasized the appeal of the location, stating, “We know how beautiful the location here is. Why not do something that people will enjoy?” He referenced the success of the interim beach bar Leda & Schwan at the former Hotel Lederer as proof that such a concept can thrive.
Given recent sensitivities surrounding loud parties in Bad Wiessee, the initiators stressed that the pop-up concept is not about boisterous celebrations. Instead, it aims to provide a relaxed environment for enjoying a “sundowner” or meeting friends. Although Hirschberger could not attend the press conference, he described the project in a press release as “a place where we spend one or two good summers with friends and which we like to remember. Not loud, but chilled.”
Future Plans and Economic Impact
The duration of the pop-up gastronomy at Lake Tegernsee depends on the progress of the approval process for Rock Capital’s planned hotel new build at the site. The municipal council approved the general planning in March 2025. Wißmeier does not anticipate significant delays, confirming, “We are absolutely on schedule.”
This temporary venture is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Bad Wiessee, offering both locals and tourists a new, appealing destination. Hirschberger’s extensive experience in launching innovative and successful gastronomic concepts suggests a high likelihood of success for this lakeside project.
Source: https://www.merkur.de/lokales/region-tegernsee/bad-wiessee-ort95312/an-bord-pop-up-projekt-in-bad-wiessee-gastro-ikone-hirschberger-mit-94203374.html
