With a ceremonial celebration and about 100 invited guests from politics, business, and media, the opening of the new main restaurant, Filippo’s, at Familypark took place yesterday afternoon. In the presence of Provincial Councilor Mag.a Daniela Winkler, St. Margarethen Deputy Mayor Mag. Christian Schriefl and Rust Mayor Mag. Gerold Stagl, a forward-looking project was presented that sets new culinary standards and represents a strong economic and tourist signal for the region.
Culinary Innovation in a Medieval Setting
Filippo’s Restaurant marks a new gastronomic centerpiece in Austria’s largest theme park. It is located in the center of the medieval-themed area Erlebnisburg and integrates seamlessly into the existing zone. The architecture recalls an imposing knight’s castle with battlements, towers, and an atmospheric forecourt, while the outdoor area is staged as a medieval marketplace, including an outdoor kitchen. The interior impresses with detailed design, castle hall-like rooms, and an indoor playground in the style of a knight’s castle. As with this major project, Familypark involved as many regional companies as possible to generate added value in the region.
A Strategic Major Project for the Park’s Future
Compagnie des Alpes, the operator group of Familypark, invested 8.5 million euros in the new construction. The restaurant covers 970 square meters of indoor space and a 330-square-meter outdoor area, offering seating for a total of 480 guests. A modern central kitchen spanning over 400 square meters will serve as the logistical hub for the entire park’s gastronomic operations, representing a significant step toward improving efficiency and optimizing quality. The upper floor houses office and lounge areas for the staff. In his opening speech, Filip De Witte, managing director of Familypark, emphasized that Filippo’s Restaurant is more than a gastronomic extension—it symbolizes the strategic further development of the park. This investment will not only strengthen the visitor experience but also the local economy.
Experiential Gastronomy with Responsibility
The culinary offering combines traditional dishes with modern variety, including grilled and roasted items as well as vegan and vegetarian alternatives, prepared from fresh, regional, and partly organically certified ingredients. A show-cooking station provides insights into the preparation, and a separate coffee station invites guests to linger. Sustainability is a focus, with a reusable cup system and modern post-mix systems that reduce waste and represent a model project for sustainable theme park gastronomy.
A Venue for New Target Groups
In addition to regular park operations, the new restaurant also targets new groups, with a separate event room offering modern technology and suitable for groups, companies, and seminar organizers. The facilities include family-friendly restrooms, nursing and changing areas, as well as interactive offerings such as meet-and-greet sessions with the mascots Filippo and Minky, making Filippo’s Restaurant a special place for young and old. With this opening, Familypark sets a strong signal for quality, innovation, and future viability, exemplifying the successful connection of experience, economic power, and sustainability, and marking another highlight in the park’s development as the region’s leading leisure destination.
