Brazilian Fernanda Befi Lacordia and Frenchman Simon Guitard, a couple in work and life, close their restaurant, Holly Gastrobar, to focus on family.
The story
Since its opening in 2021, brazilian Fernanda Befi Lacordia and frenchman Simon Guitard have put heart and effort into their restaurant project, Holly Gastrobar - she as the maître and sommelier, he in the kitchen. At the same time, they are parents to a three-year-old child. The path they've treaded so far between business and family has required significant sacrifice. So, it's time for a break, as announced by the couple in a lengthy post.
"Holly opened in a very challenging time, right after the Coronavirus," reads a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. "At that time, Fernanda was five months pregnant, and we worked hard to realize this dream. Prioritizing the business over everything else had an impact on our family, and what seemed right at the beginning - putting the business first - is no longer what we desire today. We are very proud of everything we have built. We have hosted memorable events. We have met customers who have become friends and friends who have become family. All of this will be missed. Hosting you has been an honor and has brought a lot of light on some dark days."
Simon Guitard and Fernanda Befi Lacordia want to recharge by returning to their respective home countries, as mentioned on Rolling Pin. Holly has already closed at the end of December and will be available for pop-ups and events until 2025. Meanwhile, Lacordia and Guitard want to take time to think about the future of the restaurant - in any case, the decision should be shared with the employees: "We need to learn not to do everything on our own."
During their free time, the young family will travel to introduce the child to close relatives. A return to Berlin is expected as soon as summer or fall. "Many will think we are crazy to risk, sacrificing the restaurant milestones to follow our hearts," says Lacordia, "but I think we have been so successful only because we put our hearts first."
