Heiner Raschhofer doesn't just create restaurants: one of the things that sets him apart is his dedication to staff training. This is how he encourages young people and fosters their growth.
The story
Known as the "Gastro-Guru," Heiner Raschhofer is an Austrian entrepreneur whose career is a real lesson in how to turn passion into success. From 1992, when he opened his first (now closed) beer garden next to his family hotel, until today, his climb in the restaurant business has been unstoppable, Rolling Pin reports.
Today, at the head of Soulkitchen Group, Raschhofer runs nearly 30 restaurants and employs about 500 people. His philosophy, "Think Big," has led him to create a food empire that keeps growing. The latest project, which he recently opened on Lake Constance, represents a new pinnacle of his success. Covering an area of 2,000 square meters, Soulkitchen Group has created a three-level dining experience connected to the LAGO shopping center. This space offers a variety of restaurants, including the first "Glorious Bastards" in Germany, including live showcooking and a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the lake, city and mountains.
Cross-industry is the secret of Raschhofer's success. Its brands, such as my Indigo (healthy bowls), the naked indigo (vegetarian and vegan cuisine), Glorious Butcher (high-quality comfort food) and Glorious Bastards (pizza, burgers, steaks and craft beer), cater to different needs and tastes, united by the common thread of the company motto: "Team. Vision. Goal." But Raschhofer does more than just creating restaurants. One of the things that sets him apart is his dedication to staff training. The Soulkitchen Academy is the centerpiece of this commitment, offering training and development programs for young employees. "In the Soulkitchen Academy, young people with passion can grow quickly, supported by various programs," explains Raschhofer. This approach has helped make Soulkitchen Group a coveted workplace, even recognized by awards such as Top Employer by Rolling Pin.
The new project in Constance, however, is not just about territorial expansion. Raschhofer insists on creating workplaces that are first and foremost "favorite places" for employees as well as customers. "We want to create places that are full of energy and joie de vivre," he says. This translates into a work environment based on values such as fun, passion, progress and profit, with love guiding all others. "Loving means doing everything with care. It's about people, things, communication," Raschhofer says. Continuous personal and professional development is another pillar of the company's philosophy. "We believe there is untapped potential in everyone," he says. That's why the Soulkitchen Academy, founded in 2013, offers training programs that include a leadership course called "Führen durch Mensch-Sein" ("Leading the human being"), developed in collaboration with the organization "Future."
This approach has led to tangible results, such as the ongoing expansion of Soulkitchen Group and the success of the new project in Constance. Despite the hectic pace and numerous initiatives, Raschhofer maintains a clear vision: to optimize and focus the company while avoiding mediocrity. As Raschhofer prepares to focus on Glorious Bastards and my Indigo, he entrusts the future of The Naked Indigo to his son Niko, a sign that the family tradition and passion for dining will continue to drive the company. Raschhofer firmly believes that success comes not only from his vision, but from the collective intelligence of his team. "Every day someone has an idea to make something better," he says, proving that the real secret of success lies in collaboration and continuous innovation.
