This article appears in the September issue of 400 Life.
Gasthaus Tirol has been serving authentic German cuisine in downtown Cumming for almost 25 years. The original owners, Herman and Heidi Eisele decided to open a German cafe in Forsyth County after noticing a shortage of places to get German cuisine. With its popularity growing, they decided to make it into a restaurant and offer more food options.
“He [Chef Weger] was looking at either selling or closing it down.” said Noeske. “I thought it would be better to buy it from him.”
After a month of retirement, Weger decided to come back and work for Noeske. With Noeske’s experience in business from selling pharmaceuticals and Weger’s Austrian cultural background and knowledge on creating authentic German food, it was a perfect partnership.
Noeske took on the role of general manager and owner, while Weger became executive chef and co-owner of the restaurant. They have made some changes that have turned out for the better, such as expanding the menu along with some parts of the restaurant.
The restaurant also offers unique activities for adults. The Bier Garden offers a place for customers to relax outside, admire the surrounding greenery, eat dinner if they choose, and sip one of the many types of beer offered.
“Herman and Heidi actually added the Bier Garden,” said Noeske. “We’ve expanded it so that we can have entertainment out here and have more people enjoy it. A Bier Garden is traditionally a place where people come to drink beer and … something to eat. We serve dinner out here as well as beer.”
Live music is offered on Saturday nights by local artists, such as Amy Baldwin and Ryan Davis. A schedule of the performances can be found on their Facebook page or website at gasthaus-cumming.com.
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With Oktoberfest right around the corner, Noeske has big plans for Gasthaus Tirol. One is having entertainment for guests more than one night a week.
“Usually during Oktoberfest we have [musical performances] on Friday and Saturday nights in the Bier Garden.”
Schnitzels, goulash and giant Bavarian pretzels are among the many German dishes that can be found in Gasthaus Tirol. The beloved restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and does catering upon request. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended.
Noeske believes that one of the many reasons why customers keep returning to the restaurant is because of its authenticity.
“In Atlanta, there’s only a handful of German restaurants,” said Noeske. “People that actually know German cuisine will go look for it. Next year will be out 25th year. We’re just a small, cozy restaurant. We’re not huge like a corporate one. We’re authentic.”
Gasthaus Tirols is on 310 Atlanta Road in Cumming.
Hours of operation: Lunch: 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; Dinner: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Sunday.
Story by Alyssa Freyman for 400 Life.
