For Hofbräuhaus, the celebrations keep coming. This past May, the brand’s Newport, Kentucky, location – the first U.S. Hofbräuhaus – marked 20 years in business. And now Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in March 2024, as the brand continues to honor its rich Bavarian roots. By Lizzy Yeserski
For Hofbräuhaus, the celebrations keep coming. This past May, the brand’s Newport, Kentucky, location – the first U.S. Hofbräuhaus – marked 20 years in business.
And now Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in March 2024, as the brand continues to honor its rich Bavarian roots.
It all started with Stefan Gastager, who envisioned building a replica of the original German Hofbräuhaus in Las Vegas, which he said is “the only replica in the world.” It has become a premier destination and household name.
The chain, dedicated to providing memorable experiences and customer adventures, has won numerous awards for its famed imported beer and food, including several gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival.
Gastager, president of Hofbräuhaus of America’s franchise division, noted: “We’ve modernized a little at a time to adjust to the change of the restaurant market, but what was always kept the same was the DNA of the Hofbräuhaus.”
That DNA boasts a true Bavarian beer hall experience that harkens back 400 years ago to Munich. Far beyond your average restaurant, the Hofbräuhaus experience is a lively daily party featuring German bands, rousing sing-alongs, communal seating and dancing to evoke the spirit of Oktoberfest.
“There are the long tables and benches like the original Hofbräuhaus,” said Gastager. “The music is the same; the authentic food and the beer is the same – these are the main ingredients.”
Hofbräuhaus restaurants serve a range of German classics, from savory schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut to hearty sauerbraten and delicious pretzels.
And in its own category is the prized Hofbräu beer, brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516. The liquid gold is crafted from original recipes – created centuries ago by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria – using the finest ingredients and imported directly from the Hofbräu brewery in Munich.
Under the helm of Gastager and his business partners, Klaus Gastager and Franz Krondorfer, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas has cemented itself as a centerpiece of the vibrant city landscape and a beloved institution for tourists and locals alike.
As president of Hofbräuhaus of America’s franchise division since 2015, Stefan hopes to infuse Hofbräuhaus fun and festivity into communities everywhere.
Lizzy Yeserski