"New Management Takes Over at Popular Eatery": This well-known dining establishment has recently undergone a change in ownership.
A Welcoming Smile and a Pour of Complimentary Ouzo
Elena Vorfi, the effervescent 26-year-old, seldom recalls the significant date her establishment commenced. Caught in a whirlwind of trays filled with drinks and arms laden with plates, she still manage to flash a friendly smile for each guest, much like the free ouzo served to welcome them. Alongside her brother Arber Vorfi (29), she's been at the helm of the "Marathon" since April 1, 2022.
Rumors swirled in Neubrandenburg since the start of the year that the "Marathon's" days were numbered. Owner Symeon Anastasiou's announcement of his retirement after more than 20 years to find a new tenant, alleviating staff shortage concerns, only confirmed these whispers.
With roots in Albania but a long-standing history in Greece, Arber Vorfi emerged as the new tenant. After spending eight years in Germany, he found his second home here. "I started as a kitchen helper and worked my way up. At some point, I asked myself, why don't I run my own restaurant?"
Eateries With the Grace of Zeus' Daughter
In 2022, Arber took over his first Greek restaurant, "Helena," in Woldegk. He also owns "The Greeks" on Kühlhausberg in Neustrelitz and Altentreptow. Both businesses, like the "Marathon," are named after Zeus and Leda's daughter in Greek mythology.
Guests loyal to the "Marathon" can expect a familiar experience as the menu remains virtually unchanged, and prices remain constant. The interior, too, remains much the same. Arber Vorfi plans to introduce a few new dishes, including fish, liver, and lamb, from September onwards.
Both Elena and Arber are self-taught culinary enthusiasts. "The first time I waited tables, I couldn't even lift a glass. I learned every night how to carry plates," Elena confessed. To beat the personnel crisis, the siblings rely on their diligence and extended family, which numbers over 20 members in the region. "Anyone who wants to work is welcome with us, even students from the university," says Arber Vorfi, boasting of his impeccable eight-year streak without missing a single workday.
Citizen's Income, a Recipe for Worker Absence
In Arber's view, the root of Germany's labor shortage lies in its regulatory policies, particularly the citizen's income system. "I have a problem with people who strive for nothing more than citizen's income," he asserts, also highlighting immigration concerns. "If Germany reduces the citizen's income, personnel problems will swiftly vanish."
With a newly purchased hotel in Podewall in need of renovation and a growing "Marathon," Arber Vorfi anticipates much longer working hours ahead. Despite the mounting pressure, he remains unfazed: "Without work, nothing happens. When the house is full, our hearts are too."
The Vorfi siblings, Elena and Arber, continue to serve complimentary ouzo at the renamed "Helena" (formerly the "Marathon"), a Greek restaurant in Neustrelitz, showcasing their commitment to both food-and-drink and finance. Arber, as the new tenant, seeks to introduce new dishes, such as fish, liver, and lamb, in September, while maintaining a stable lifestyle for the staff by looking to improve the regulatory policies, particularly the citizen's income system.
