“In our concept, everything revolves around the counter. It’s our DNA. So obviously, today, it’s complicated. »No bitterness in the mouth for this king of beer. But the constant concern to adapt to a time not really compatible with his “Shamrocks”.
The Thionvillois Sébastien Lenninger, at the head of six pubs scattered in France, Luxembourg and Belgium, recorded a slight halt in his success story. More particularly in the Grand Duchy, where it recently inaugurated its last two hop temples. Because on the other side of the border, another constraint is added to physical distancing: “The teleworking which emptied the country. The “suits and ties” that released the pressure at the end of the day have disappeared from the landscape. Consequences: happy hours suffer from a stubborn hangover, just like revenues: “Our decline in activity translates into three times less turnover. “
A bleeding in the accounts which contrasts with the stability of the cost of rents, “€ 14,000 per month for both cases. Fortunately, our brewer, Diekirch, supports us ”.
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“Sidelining the night shifts”
Thinning. In France, the summer period has given new life to activity: “This exceptional summer has helped to rebalance, somewhat, the losses linked to confinement. The exemptions to enlarge the terraces have done good. The prospect of living an Indian summer reassures him. The “shamrockers” are loyal, “the people are thirsty. They respect the protocol, the service at the bar staggered. But the festive side is a bit hidden ”.
The transition to autumn, then to winter time, on the other hand plunges him into the unknown: “Our capacity is subject to seating. Or 100 people maximum, which is not much. Another reason for concern: the tightening of opening authorizations: “If the prefectural services impose closure at 10 pm, that would lead me to sideline my night shifts. What I don’t want… ”
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“We all sail by sight”
The same story goes for the Ol’Barrels, whose terrace runs past Place Anne-Grommerch in Thionville. This Irish pub, a newcomer to the Place Thionvilloise (opening on July 11), is experiencing a rather peaceful start to its activity. Dominique Remy, a well-known figure of the city, knows that the truth of the moment is disguised in this sunny outfit: “You will have to see during the passage into autumn, when the terrace disappears from the landscape. Of course, in a case like this, we focus on counter service, concerts, match broadcasts. What is inconceivable with the sanitary protocol of the moment. “
Conclusion: “We are all sailing by sight. »Conclusion bis:« One thing is certain: if we are forced to close at 10 pm, it is the end of everything. Even restaurants. So we can’t have dinner at 9:30 p.m.? Let’s be serious… ”Conclusion bis (bis): the night world sails in a thick veil of mist.
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Trianon dancing: “It was THE outing of the weekend”
The source, “I saw it on social networks,” leaves wondering. Let’s move on. “There are rumors about a possible reopening in… next April. “Joseph Fosso’s weary voice betrays his mood at the moment:” I am demoralized. In the long run, we catch the blues. The use of the “on” is not trivial. It includes his person, he the historic owner of the Trianon dance hall in Thionville, and his customers. Lovers of tea dancing, “retirees for the most part”, on the verge of depression, according to the septuagenarian. “I have calls. Everyday. Customers who ask me if the dancehall reopens this Friday. I feel them dejected. For them, it was THE weekend outing. »Here too, nothing trivial in this observation.
The faithful of the Trianon are longing to find the dance floor. A place of life, even survival for many of them. Perhaps they will be reassured by reading these few lines. Faith of Joseph Fosso, the Trianon is not threatened with closure. At least for the moment: “I own the walls, which gives me a financial breath. But I have seven employees, currently technically unemployed. The more time passes and the more… ”This anguishes him. Especially since like his nephew, Pascal Barilaro (read elsewhere) , there is no question of thinking of changing status: “I could open on Sundays by going through a dance bar. But I don’t want to risk losing my overnight license. My clients wouldn’t forgive me. We are talking about 140 people, the average influx of fire on Friday evenings at the Trianon.
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