Dream of an inn shattered: Uckermarkers fight against crises!

Dream of an inn shattered: Uckermarkers fight against crises!

Gastronomy is very important in rural regions - this is noticeable not only in everyday life, but also in the fates that are associated with it. Joachim Gyimes and Thomas Perkuhn have dealt with a very special dream in the Uckermark: the dream of owning their own inn. After leaving Daimler after two strokes and abandoning the “life by the sea” plan, they decided to start a new journey. They sold their two-family house and discovered a listed guest house, which they renovated with great enthusiasm.

The first steps were not easy. Gyimes and Perkuhn lived in a mobile home in front of the inn for 18 months while they carried out the renovation work. But the inn finally opened and the concept was well received by guests. But all efforts soon faced major challenges. While weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine dramatically increased the cost of refrigeration, cleaning and food. Food prices alone doubled and contributed to a reduction in the purchasing power of their guests. In addition, a lack of infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles made operations noticeably more difficult.

Gloom in gastronomy

The inn is currently closed. Occasionally some rooms are still rented out, but Gyimes and Perkuhn are looking for someone to continue their vision. This is not a standalone story. According to the Hessian Ministry of Homeland Affairs, gastronomy is central to social life in rural areas and creates important meeting places. Homeland Minister Ingmar Jung emphasizes the relevance of inns for the quality of life and regional culture. But many small catering businesses face similar challenges.

To counteract this, the Hessian Ministry of Homeland Affairs has launched a special program to support the catering industry. From June 10, 2025, catering businesses can apply for funding for investments. The aim of this program is to strengthen cohesion in rural regions and to offer financial help. The funding includes, among other things, structural investments, long-lasting capital goods and modern electronic systems.

The details of the funding

The funding rate is usually 45 percent, and a maximum of 200,000 euros can be applied for. Companies with up to 49 employees and an annual turnover of no more than 10 million euros are eligible to apply. The minimum investment amount must be 15,000 euros. Applications can be made via the WIBank online application portal be provided. However, there is no legal entitlement to funding and further information is available on the WIBank website.

Gastronomy in rural areas is not only an economic but also a social anchor. Given the challenges that gastronomy in rural areas has to overcome, such support programs are becoming increasingly important in order to preserve traditions and bring new impetus to local life. The story of Gyimes and Perkuhn could become a turning point for many similar stories that are still in the shadow of bureaucracy and rising costs.