After over a decade, the well-known Gütersloher restaurant announces its closure.
In a sad turn of events for tapas lovers in Guetersloh, Germany, the popular Spanish restaurant Rioja announced its permanent closure by August 31st. The news has left a void in the city's culinary landscape, marking the end of Spanish delights and pleasant evenings that Rioja has been providing for over a decade.
For 15 years, Matthias Reiprich, the owner of Rioja, has been serving authentic Spanish cuisine, music, and ambiance to the people of Guetersloh. The restaurant has been a favourite among locals, known for its extensive tapas menu boasting around 260 different options.
The Rioja team, particularly grateful for the support of their regular patrons, expressed their thanks to the guests, especially those who stood by them during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure announcement was made via social media, where users have since expressed their sadness and wished the employees well for their future endeavours.
Despite numerous inquiries, the reasons behind the closure remain undisclosed. The operators of Rioja have chosen not to comment on the matter, and no further information regarding the closure or future plans of the restaurant is currently available.
Until its permanent closure, Rioja will maintain its usual operating hours. On Tuesday to Thursday, the restaurant will be open from 6 PM to 11 PM, while Friday and Saturday evenings will see it operating until midnight. On Sundays, Rioja will close its doors at 11 PM.
Rioja's closure leaves a significant gap in the city's dining scene, and it remains to be seen what will fill the void left by this beloved establishment. As we bid farewell to Rioja, let's cherish the memories of the delightful evenings spent there, savouring the flavours of Spain.