[
EVG photo from August]
In early 2020, Zum Schneider will be be moving away from its 20-year-old home on the northwest corner of Avenue C and Seventh Street.
As we understand it, the landlord is not renewing the lease of the popular Bavarian bierhaus and German restaurant. (The landlord, listed as 229 East 7th Street HFDC,
unsuccessfully tried to evict Zum Schneider in 2006.)
"Yes, it's rather sad after 20 years, but the East Village seems to have the trend that storefronts become empty and stay empty for years," said owner Sylvester Schneider. "Strange development."
Schneider said that they will start looking for a new location in early 2020. Meanwhile, the kitchen closes on Feb. 2, with Feb. 25 serving as the last day for Zum Schneider on Avenue C. They'll be closing out with the annual Karneval party, held Feb. 20-25.
Zum Schneider opened on Avenue C in August 2000, and soon became a destination for
World Cup and Euro Cup matches as well as events such as Karneval and Oktoberfest, which they later moved
to a tent along the East River.
Schneider also serves as Mösl Franzi, the frontman for the house Oompah band, the JaJaJas.
From a pre-Oktoberfest
article from September in
The Red Hook Star-Revue:
Schneider is, undisputedly, the heart and soul of the restaurant, whether he’s behind the drums or not. His pervasive energy, enthusiasm and joy have made it a jubilant place since it opened. He’s often seen hopping up onto the benches and bar, leading the entire place in rousing singalongs, or creating spontaneous dance parties.
But he was a musician first. Born in Wessling, a small town outside of Munich, he moved to America to become a drummer. He played in rock bands in Boston and NYC in the ‘90s, before he opened Zum Schneider, which instantly stood out for its uniquely authentic German coziness.
Schneider said that Zum Schneider fans could sign up
for their newsletter online for updates about the move next year.
