The Viennese restaurant institution "Schweizerhaus" and the Czech brewery Budweiser Budvar will celebrate the centenary of their business partnership in 2026. This collaboration is considered one of the most enduring cross-border partnerships in the European hospitality industry.
To kick off the anniversary season, a special commemorative bottling was presented, which sold out shortly after its tapping in April. Despite the general price increases in the restaurant industry, the Kolarik family, who run the establishment, decided to keep the price of the lager served in the so-called "Bunkerl" at €5,90. This marks the third consecutive season without a price increase, which is seen in industry circles as a clear sign of customer loyalty.
Further research into the economic and historical significance reveals that the connection extends far beyond mere trade. Budweiser Budvar, the last major Czech brewery still state-owned, uses the Schweizerhaus as an international showcase for its draft beer culture. The three-stage dispensing system employed in the Prater is a process specifically optimized for this establishment to maintain a stable head and carbonation level of the Czech beer even with high throughput. With 2.150 seats and approximately 180 employees, the Schweizerhaus is one of Austria's highest-grossing single-venue restaurants and the world's largest purchaser of Budweiser Budvar on draft beer.
The anniversary celebrations attracted prominent figures from politics and business, including Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig and the Czech Ambassador Jan Brunner. During the festivities, a collaboration with the grocery retail sector was also announced: A limited collector's edition, including a special glass, will be available in select Spar stores starting in May 2026. In parallel, the partners are accelerating the digitalization of their customer communication through a dedicated app, which will be used to run competitions and marketing campaigns throughout the summer season until the end of August.
From an economic perspective, the anniversary year strengthens the position of both brands in the fiercely competitive Viennese beer market. While many competitors struggle with rising raw material and personnel costs, Schweizerhaus relies on volume and tradition to ensure price stability. The close partnership with the Czech state-owned company Budvar also underscores Vienna's importance as an economic hub in Central Europe. According to owner Karl Hans Kolarik, the season, which traditionally ends on October 31, will be characterized by further culinary highlights and promotions to emphasize the historical significance of this alliance between Vienna and South Bohemia.