How a family business manages the constant balancing act in the hospitality sector

Running a hospitality business has never been easy, and in today’s fast-changing world, the challenges are more complex than ever. With people growing more and more environmentally conscious, sustainability and eco-friendly experiences are brought towards the forefront. Having to adapt to evolving guest expectations while maintaining their identity, businesses in the sector face a constant balancing act. 

In the quiet mountain village of Arnig, nestled within the breathtaking Hohe Tauern National Park, lies Braugasthof Glocknerblick – a family-run inn that embodies tradition and sustainability. Fresh and homemade cuisine, an award-winning home brewery, economical use of resources and range-led hikes in nature – the story of Glocknerblick is an inspiring example of how a family business can stay true to their tradition while also keeping up with industry trends.

Reviving the old family business

For the Rogl family, hospitality is more than a business; it’s a way of life deeply rooted in family legacy. The history of Glocknerblick dates back to the 1940s, when Elisabeth Rogl’s grandparents opened a small snack bar on the site of today’s inn that operated for more than 50 years until 1992. A few years later, in 2005, Elisabeth and her husband Konrad made the bold decision to leave behind a stable life in the city and return to their roots along with their three kids. Purchasing the property where her grandparents once served guests, they transformed it into a modern inn. After an initial remodelling, Glocknerblick reopened its doors in 2007, blending family heritage with a fresh vision. 

“It was a challenge to return home from a secure family life with three children, to start a new life and gain a foothold in a new industry,” shares Elisabeth. “But we were able to settle in quickly.”

Today, the entire family is involved in shaping the inn’s identity. Elisabeth’s daughter, Theresa, trained as a chef and even earned a bronze medal at the World Championships for Young Chefs in Calgary, bringing culinary excellence to the kitchen. Meanwhile, her son completed his training as a brewer and beverage technician to expand the inn’s home brewery and raise it to a new level.

The inn’s remote location, far from the town center, posed an immediate challenge: attracting guests without the benefit of heavy foot traffic. Glocknerblick relies on word-of-mouth and repeat customers rather than walk-ins. However, the family turned what might be a drawback for some into one of Glocknerblick’s strengths. Through consistent effort, the inn’s kitchen earned a reputation as an insider tip for high-quality, down-to-earth cuisine.

Establishing a unique identity with a home brewery

In a highly competitive industry like hospitality, it’s essential to stand out. That’s why in 2017, Glocknerblick diversified its offerings by establishing a home brewery. Using the soft, mineral-rich water from the Arniger springs, they crafted their award-winning “unsas” Kellerbier, an unfiltered, naturally cloudy lager. The beer has since become a hallmark of the inn and has earned the designation of “National Park Product”.

“We have been producing home-brewed beer since 2017. The Arniger water with its low degree of hardness is ideal for beer production.”

The brewery was a big success and has become an essential part of the inn’s identity. Guests can now enjoy not only the classic “unsas” light and dark beers but also seasonal specialties like “unsas” bock and summer beer. In collaboration with a local distillery, the family also created AvorniX, a combination of malty bock beer and refined brandy aged in bourbon barrels inspired by the region’s historic maple trees.

Practicing sustainability as a core value

The hospitality industry is seeing a big change in consumer behaviour in recent years, with people becoming more and more environmentally conscious. Travelers are seeking more eco-friendly experiences and businesses have to adapt. Sustainability has become not just good for nature but also good for business.

For Glocknerblick, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental business practice. As a National Park Partner, the inn is committed to protecting the pristine environment surrounding it and has embraced sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity. From sourcing ingredients locally to hosting ranger-guided hikes for its guests, every aspect of the business shows respect for nature and promotes sustainable tourism.

To receive the “Official Partner of the Hohe Tauern National Park” seal of approval is not an easy task. Businesses must fulfil certain criteria and obligations, such as using environmentally friendly cleaning agents, avoiding plastic and aluminium packaging, water-saving techniques and comprehensive waste separation. 

“The privilege of living in this marvellous natural setting means that we are expected to protect and preserve it!” says Elisabeth. “We have set ourselves the goal of protecting the resources of the national park.”

Glocknerblick’s kitchen is a prime example of this ethos. Seasonal and regional ingredients form the foundation of Glocknerblick’s menu, which features dishes like smoked beef ribs, roast pork, and the traditional Graukas soup made with a special regional cheese. The brewery also operates with sustainability in mind, using traditional methods that minimize waste and highlight local resources. For guests, this approach offers not just a meal or a drink but an authentic taste of the region.

Valuing good partnerships above all else

One of Glocknerblick’s key philosophies is the importance of community and partnership. Instead of viewing neighboring businesses as competitors, they see them as collaborators. By sharing resources and creating joint experiences, they’ve enhanced the overall guest experience while fostering a sense of local unity.

The Rogl family understands customer needs and the value of a strong partnership. Recognising the rising demand for cashless payments, they started searching for a payment solution that would be as good of a collaborator as their neighbours. That’s how they found myPOS.

“The demand for cashless payment was growing, and we were looking for a good partner,” says Elisabeth. “We have been using myPOS since 2022.”

By integrating myPOS into their business, the family ensured a seamless and convenient payment experience to meet modern guest needs.

The hospitality industry may be demanding, but with a focus on authenticity, sustainability, and partnership, it’s possible to build a business that not only survives but thrives. Glocknerblick’s story is a shining example of those values. As Elisabeth advises:

“Stay grounded and never forget about friends and family.  Utilise networks. Build relationships with other businesses. Don’t see competition in your neighbour, but form collaborations to share resources and create unique experiences together.”