Café Engländer in downtown Vienna, an institution for professionals in the cultural, media, and business sectors, is closing unexpectedly earlier than planned—as early as Thursday, October 8, 2026. The trigger is a fierce conflict between the future co-owner Mario Plachutta and the entire staff.
Bankruptcy and Takeover
The café had run into financial difficulties following the sudden death of its long-time managing director, Christian Wukonigg, in July 2026. In August, restructuring proceedings were initiated against the operating company; the café had approximately 1.1 million euros in debt and 47 creditors. At the end of September, the Plachutta and Friese restaurant families announced that they had acquired the café through a bidding process and intend to continue operating it.
The row with the staff
According to several media reports, a serious incident occurred earlier this week. On Monday, Mario Plachutta allegedly loudly berated staff in the warehouse and threatened them with termination—witnesses describe it as a “choleric outburst.” As a result, around 20 employees collectively announced that they did not wish to continue working under the new management. One employee was quoted as saying, “We don’t want to work for someone who treats us this way.” Plachutta’s attorney denied the allegations and called the reports “inaccurate.”
Early Closure and the Future
Originally, the existing business was supposed to continue operating until mid-October before the new owners officially took over. However, following the dispute, the staff was informed on Wednesday that the café would close as early as Thursday. On Instagram, the team bid farewell to guests with heartfelt words. The closure is temporary for now. The new owners are planning remodeling and renovation work.
Insiders expect the café to be closed for several weeks, with a reopening anticipated in January 2027. The current staff will not automatically be retained but may reapply later. Whether that will happen remains to be seen. Café Engländer will thus remain a fixture in Vienna and will hopefully shine in new splendor and with a brighter atmosphere in the new year.
