PLUTA attorney Dr André Wehner keeps VAPIANO restaurant in Bielefeld running

VAP Bielefeld GmbH, a franchisee operating the VAPIANO restaurant in Bielefeld, has filed for insolvency. Following this, on 28 March 2025, the Local Court of Bielefeld ordered provisional insolvency proceedings and appointed Dr André Wehner from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator.

The PLUTA restructuring expert said, “VAPIANO in Bielefeld is an established restaurant with a highly motivated team. The business remains fully operational. We are doing everything we can to find a sustainable way forward.” Attorney Dr André Wehner is being supported in the proceedings by business lawyer Mr Tim Austmeyer. The PLUTA team has already initiated the process of securing pre-financing of the substitute benefits provided under German insolvency law. The salaries of the 38 staff are therefore guaranteed for the months of March, April and May.

The team will also launch the process of finding an investor with a view to creating opportunities for the business. “Our aim is to find a reliable and financially strong investor who will make a success of the restaurant and keep it operating in the long term. Over the coming weeks, we will therefore hold discussions with parties interested in coming on board,” said Dr Wehner.

The business had to file for insolvency due to liquidity shortages. Sales had declined over recent months, while costs remained high. The company was also encumbered by old liabilities, and changed consumer behaviour is having a negative impact on the restaurant business.

Managing director Ms Necla Türkmen said, “Consumers have changed their behaviour in recent months and years. We have also been affected by this. We hope that plenty of people will visit us in the coming weeks and support us at this difficult time. Our crew are motivated and will work well with the insolvency administrator and his team. The insolvency proceedings may also give us an opportunity for a fresh start.”

VAP Bielefeld GmbH only operates the restaurant in Bielefeld. Other locations are not affected. In terms of size, it is the largest restaurant of the renowned system catering company in Germany. The restaurant is open daily and is superbly located in the heart of Bielefeld (Niederwall 26, 33602 Bielefeld). In addition to pasta, pinsa and other classic dishes, the restaurant serves salads, soups, antipasti, desserts, cakes and more. It opens from twelve noon to ten in the evening, with late opening until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.