A well-known church landlord goes bankrupt by millions

“Welcome to Gasthaus Kirchenwirt Bernhardt in beautiful Hengsberg. We look forward to welcoming you as our guest! Our coffee house offers a range of facilities, making it the perfect place to visit. You will be greeted with genuine hospitality and a great selection of Austrian and international dishes. Our friendly staff will serve you fantastic homemade dishes, local produce, regional products and traditional cuisine,” the company’s website states. “Sit down and enjoy our expertly prepared fish, pasta, pizza and schnitzel, which have something for every taste. If you have a sweet tooth, you will enjoy our delicious cakes and tarts, ice cream, pastries and desserts. Order beer, wine, coffee and tea to complement your tasty meal. Enjoy lunch and dinner in our stylish establishment.

We are talking about Isabella Bernhardt, the operator of the „Kirchenwirt Hengsberg“ in western Southern Styria. She filed today, Tuesday, an application for the opening of restructuring proceedings without self-administration at the Regional Court for Civil Matters in Graz introduced. Three employees are affected by the insolvency.

“In 2016, Mrs. Bernhart took over the “Kirchenwirt Hengsberg” business together with her husband. In 2018, the Bernhardt couple each acquired half of the business property in Hengsberg, which they had leased until then, and significant investments were subsequently made in the catering business, with significant credit resources may have been claimed,” says the AKV.

The causes of insolvency

“As is well known, this was followed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the well-known business closures. According to the insolvency application, these led to a significant liquidity bottleneck, so that interest payments could not be made. In addition, there were arrears with the tax authorities and with social security,” it continues.

Debts and assets

Die liabilities according to the list of creditors 1.23 million eurosof which around 1.14 million euros are bank liabilities. “An Active There is a half share in the business property as well as the business and operating equipment, whereby experience shows that in the event of a break-up, considerable value adjustments have to be made for a catering inventory tailored to individual needs. The assets, including the half property, should amount to a maximum of around 350,000 euros,” says the AKV

The future

The aim is to Continuation of the company, especially since there is a good booking situation, especially with regard to the upcoming Christmas parties.