History
From the Bahnhöfli restaurant to a modern city hotel
The chronicle of the House of Wartmann is the story of a catering business that, over the course of over 100 years, was passed from one parental hand into the care of the next generation and that was allowed to grow from humble beginnings into the pride of the fourth generation that it is today.
1. generation
1894
Emil Wartmann buys the property at Paulstrasse 2 and runs it as the Bahnhöfli restaurant.
1900
Construction of a Munich beer hall along Paulstrasse.
1910
The neighboring factory building will be demolished. This creates space for the construction of a new beer hall (today's theater hall).
2. generation
1911
Eugen Wartmann is the second generation to join the company.
1927
The restaurant is renamed Restaurant Wartmann and expanded to include a large theater hall with a stage.
1930–1945
Despite some very difficult times, the optimism remains unbroken and the company continues to be built and expanded.
1946
Expansion of the restaurant and addition of two garden terraces.
3. generation
1957
Werner and Madeleine Wartmann-Lieb are the third generation to take on responsibility.
1966
Purchase of the property at Rudolfstrasse 13, which will subsequently be converted into a hotel with 22 beds.
1967
Opening of the legendary Kutscher Bar.
1971
Purchase of the property at Rudolfstrasse 15; The Hotel Wartmann is built with 50 rooms and 70 beds.
1976–1979
Conversion and renovation of the Wartmann restaurant, which now consists of a grill room, Wy-Chäller, garden room and theater room.
1986
With Rolf Wartmann, the 4th generation joins the company.
1989
Renovation of the reception; The Kutscher Bar becomes the Spiegel Bar.
1990
Newly built Hotel Wartmann, now 72 rooms and 120 beds, with vegetarian restaurant zur Schwert, grill restaurant, bar and seven halls.
1991
The modern *** city hotel with 4-star comfort has opened. The new rooms offer 4-star standards, the older rooms have been renovated.
4. generation
1995
Rolf Wartmann takes over the management of Hotel Wartmann AG.
1996
The daytime restaurant and the Spiegel Bar are being renovated.
1997
The Vegi to Libra is getting a new face.
1998–1999
32 older hotel rooms will be modernized and therefore brighter and friendlier.
2000
The grill restaurant is being redesigned.
2001
The garden restaurant on Rudolfstrasse is being renovated.
2004
Hotel Wartmann AG is separating from the property at Paulstrasse 2/corner of Rudolfstrasse with the grill restaurant and the theater hall. The remaining properties will be converted and the Vegi zur Gewa will be re-opened as the Gleis 11 restaurant with an integrated bar.
September 30, 2005
Rolf Wartmann acquires Hotel Wartmann AG from his father, Werner Wartmann.
2007
In the summer, the 32 standard rooms will be redesigned and equipped with soundproof windows and all stairs and corridors will be renovated.
2008
The courtyard garden is being redesigned.
2011
In January the 40 superior rooms will be redesigned and renovated. The Steakhouse Argentina opens in the premises of the Gleis 11 restaurant.
2014
After a comprehensive facade renovation and redesign as well as the complete renovation of all rooms, the Hotel Wartmann as a member of the Best Western Group will reopen its doors at the end of June under the name Hotel Wartmann am Bahnhof.
5. Takeover
2019
We are pleased to announce that we have found a sustainable succession solution. The Candrian company will take over the Hotel Wartmann on January 1, 2019. The long company history of the Wartmann family is to be further developed with tradition and continuity. Candrian is very happy to be working in Winterthur in the future.
The family business, founded in 1894 and very successfully run by Mr. Rolf Wartmann in the fourth generation, looks back on a long and proud history. In 1894, great-grandfather Emil Wartmann bought the Bahnhöfli restaurant on the corner of Paulstrasse and Rudolfstrasse. From 1911 to 1957, Eugen Wartmann and from 1957 Werner and Madeleine Wartmann-Lieb were responsible for the affairs behind the station. Rolf Wartmann joined the company over 30 years ago and, with his team of long-term employees, has helped the family business become what it is today; The leading hotel in its category in the region. Thanks to its central location, the Hotel Wartmann is very attractive for business and holiday travelers and will continue to develop dynamically in the future. All employees will be integrated into the Candrian Group, the existing rental agreements for the properties will be continued without a transition and continuity for our customers is guaranteed.
“With the sale to the Candrian family, the continuity and future of our business can be ensured. I am pleased to continue to shape the fortunes of Hotel Wartmann AG as a member of the board of directors.” Rolf Wartmann, Hotel Wartmann AG.
With around 1000 employees, the Candrian Group, founded in 1923, is one of the most experienced hotel and catering companies in Switzerland. Reto Candrian, CEO Candrian: “We are proud to continue writing the history of the family-run Hotel Wartmann and are very much looking forward to our involvement in Winterthur.”
