Berlin Institution Threatened by Death of Beloved Owner
The news of Dietmar Rogacki’s tragic death in a fire at his villa has sent shockwaves through the Berlin community, with many mourning the loss of a man who was an integral part of the city’s culinary scene. As reported by the Berliner KURIER, Rogacki was more than just a business owner – he was an institution in himself, with his eponymous delicatessen in Wilmersdorfer Straße being a beloved fixture in the city.
For many Berliners, the name Rogacki evokes memories of a bygone era, a time when life was simpler and the city’s culinary scene was defined by its traditional delicatessens. As Hans Eiringhaus, a former football manager and longtime customer of Rogacki’s, recalled in an interview with the Berliner KURIER, "Wir gehen zu Rogacki" – "We’re going to Rogacki’s" – was a phrase that was synonymous with a special treat. "When I was a child, my parents would take me to Rogacki’s, and it was always a celebration. The smell of the shop, the taste of the food – it’s something that’s stayed with me to this day."
Rogacki’s delicatessen has been a staple of Berlin’s culinary scene for nearly 100 years, with its origins dating back to 1928 when Paul and Lucia Rogacki started a small smoked goods business in the Wedding district. Over the years, the business has remained family-owned and operated, with Dietmar Rogacki and his wife Ramona at the helm. The shop is famous for its exquisite selection of delicacies, including its signature smoked fish, Eisbein, Buletten, and Kassler.
The Berliner KURIER reports that Rogacki’s has been a magnet for Berlin’s elite, with many notable figures, including football personalities like Hermann Gerland and Winnie Schäfer, regulars at the shop. The delicatessen’s enduring popularity is a testament to the high quality of its products and the warm hospitality of its owners.
The sudden loss of Dietmar Rogacki has left a void in the Berlin community, and there are concerns about the future of the business. As the Berliner KURIER notes, the fire that claimed Rogacki’s life has also raised questions about the future of the business. In three years, Rogacki’s will celebrate its 100th anniversary – it is to be hoped that the family will find the strength to carry on the legacy of this beloved institution.
The outpouring of tributes to Rogacki has been a testament to his impact on the community. As the Berliner KURIER reports, many have come forward to share their memories of Rogacki and his wife Ramona, who is said to be devastated by the loss of her husband. As the city mourns the loss of this larger-than-life figure, there is a sense that a piece of Berlin’s history has been lost.
In the words of Hans Eiringhaus, "Rogacki kann man sich nicht immer leisten" – "You can’t always afford Rogacki’s" – but for many Berliners, the experience of shopping at Rogacki’s is about more than just the food – it’s about the memories, the tradition, and the sense of community that comes with it. As the Berliner KURIER so eloquently puts it, Rogacki’s is more than just a delicatessen – it’s a Berlin institution that will be deeply missed.
