Since the beginning of December, the Bären in Gsteig has been open again under new management. “We are passionate about it and look forward to the challenge”, Franziska Walker-Räss and Manuela Thoenen Bettler emphasise.

The Bären in Gsteig has had some turbulent years. After many tenant changes in recent years, the municipality now has the reins in its hands. With great support of the voting population, the Hotel Restaurant Bären Gsteig GmbH was founded. Unlike before the municipality is not letting the establishment for rent but directly acting as an employer.

The management is shared between Franziska Walker-Räss (gastronomy) and Manuela Thoenen Bettler (administration). The fact that they can manage the Bären as employees is a great advantage because it eliminates the financial pressure that proved too big for previous tenants. “A lease would not have been an option for us,” they both say.

Tying in with the old days
“We want the Bären to become a meeting place again – for locals, for clubs, but also for family celebrations such as confirmations and weddings,” the two managing directors describe their vision. “Not only locals are welcome, but also chalet guests and day visitors should feel at home with us.” They also want to bring back cultural and musical events, for which the Bären used to be known in the past.

They describe their menu as traditional. In the “Fürgruebe” raclette and fondue will again be served – but not only. Chef is Joao Brissos, who completed his apprenticeship at the Gstaaderhof and has now switched to the Bären. The team is complete with a kitchen assistant, a maid, a waitperson and a few local helpers.

With confidence into the future
The feedback has been positive. Especially the fact that the establishment is run by locals is seen as a positive signal, says Simon Graa, chairman of the company. “It’s nice that people feel positive about it and so do we,” he says. Walker-Räss and Thoenen Bettler share his confidence.

The Bären is an affair of the heart for them, says Walker-Räss and adds with a smile: “I came to Gsteig because of the Bären and stayed for love.” She is a trained cook and married with three children. Heart and soul is one thing, the desire for the challenge is another, adds Thoenen Bettler. They both look forward to the challenge. “We complement each other well,” says Thoenen Bettler. “We have the same taste and speak the same language,” which is literally the case. They grew up in neighbouring villages in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley.

BASED ON AVS/ANITA MOSER