Block Menu celebrates 30 years of success – Zarrentin in anniversary fever!

Block Menu celebrates 30 years of success – Zarrentin in anniversary fever!

30 years ago, Hamburg entrepreneur Eugen Block laid the foundation for a remarkable success story in Zarrentin. This milestone anniversary was duly celebrated on June 29, 2025. Eugen Block had acquired a commercial property on which a state-of-the-art food production facility with around 200 jobs has now been established. The Block Menu company produces a variety of convenience foods, including sauces, stocks and ready-made meals, which not only supply restaurants and hotels, but are also very popular with wholesale and end consumers. This is reported by the Uckermarkkurier and emphasizes that the new production area, which was inaugurated as part of the celebrations, opens up additional perspectives for the company.

In addition to producing food, Block Menu also offers dressings and spice mixes. The founder notes that his products help restaurants provide a consistent taste experience. This is particularly important because there is often a shortage of skilled workers in the catering industry and the careful preparation of food takes up a lot of resources. The guests from politics and business, including District Administrator Stefan Sternberg and Berit Steinberg from the district's economic development department, appreciated Block's decision to locate in Zarrentin, because the company makes a significant contribution to the creation of jobs and the popularity of the region.

Eugen Block and his entrepreneurial vision

Eugen Block, who began his career in the catering industry, has not only shaped system catering in Germany over the decades, but has also achieved far-reaching success in the hotel industry and food production. His group of companies, which includes the popular steakhouse chains Block House and Jim Block, has an impressive 2,200 employees and recorded impressive sales of over 400 million euros last year. In a new book entitled “Eugen Block’s Treasure of Experience – 60 Years of Success with Heart, Mind and System” he provides insights into his experiences and the development of his companies. This book, written by chief reporter Jens Meyer-Odewald, is available for 37 euros and offers personal archives as well as interviews with employees and companions.

As part of the celebrations, the company's own lakeside hotel in Zarrentin was also highlighted as an attractive destination for tourists. Mayor Klaus Draeger congratulated Block Menu on its anniversary and praised the positive impulses that the company is providing for the city. In addition, managing director Klaus Flaskamp announced that the company plans to take over an adjacent area in order to further expand the production facilities.

Block Menu – A major player

The Block Group, which also includes Block Menu, includes a total of 17 companies with 47 locations, including the impressive Grand Elysée hotel chain in Hamburg. Eugen Block, born into a family of innkeepers, shapes the company culture through continuous improvement and a strong commitment to his employees. Under the leadership of Stephan von Bülow, the group of companies is constantly being developed.

Its contribution to gastronomy and job creation is valued by the people of the region. The company's introduction of the Chef Academy is also a sign that Block is not just thinking about success, but also about training and supporting future generations in the catering industry.

With a clear view of the future and a strong foundation, the Block Group is optimistic about the coming years, and it will be exciting to see what further milestones will be achieved.