Beloved Bruckwirt Closes its Doors as Anni Rappold Retires after Decades at the Helm
Dorfen, Bavaria – After more then three decades of hospitality, the Bruckwirt in Dorfen is set to close its doors as anni Rappold, 80, enters retirement. The iconic Bavarian inn, known for its regional cuisine, lively atmosphere, and Anni’s remarkable memory for orders, will host a final sale of its fixtures on November 15th and 16th.
the closure marks the end of an era for the local community, where the Bruckwirt served as a central gathering place for generations.Rappold took over the establishment in 1991, at the age of 58, when concerns arose among regular patrons about the future of the business under its previous management. “All the regulars were worried that the inn wouldn’t continue to be run as well as it had been. That’s when I said I would do it myself!” Rappold recalled. Rather than slowing down in her later years, she embarked on a new chapter, revitalizing the Bruckwirt into a beloved local institution.
The family quickly became integral to the Bruckwirt’s success. Daughter Christine Rappold, a trained Hauswirtschaftliche Betriebsleiterin (Household Business Manager) and former Wirtschaftsleiterin (Economic Director) at the Marienstift dorfen, brought valuable expertise to the operation. Her husband, Johann “Joe” Rappold, a skilled cook, later supplemented his culinary background with training as a steuerfachangestellter (Tax Assistant), becoming a crucial asset in both the kitchen and the office.
The bruckwirt built a reputation for its fresh, regionally-sourced dishes. Anni Rappold herself was legendary for her ability to flawlessly take orders without ever writing them down, ensuring each guest received exactly what they requested. The inn was a popular meeting spot for local clubs and associations, including the Blaskapelle (brass band), who honored Anni with an award recognizing her dedication to preserving Bavarian pub culture. The Bruckwirt accommodated up to 100 guests indoors and another 100 in its Biergarten, alongside offering four guest rooms.
“It could happen that we started breakfast at six in the morning and kept going until three in the morning with a big festivity,” Christine Rappold remembers. In recent years,three of her sister Sabine’s five sons also joined the team as regular helpers.
As Anni transitions to retirement, Christine is assisting with the final winding down of the business. “People are mainly worried that I’ll get bored,” Anni said with a smile, “but that really won’t happen.”
Those interested in acquiring a piece of the Bruckwirt’s history can attend the sale on November 15th from 2 PM to 6 PM and November 16th from 8 AM to 1 PM, where remaining furnishings and equipment will be available.
