Bettina, the history of the Krone goes back to 1816. You were born in 1982, making you part of the fifth generation of the Rhomberg family to work in the restaurant and hotel industry. Was this career path always clear to you?
Bettina Rhomberg: It was always clear to me that I wanted to and would follow in my parents' footsteps. There was never any pressure. On the contrary: my parents always left all options open to me. The desire to work in our crown came from me. I was and still am happy to work here every day. It's not just my workplace, it's my home. The great thing about this job is that, despite the routine processes and everyday hotel and restaurant life, no two days are the same.
What about your sister Johanna? Will she also be joining the business?
Bettina Rhomberg: My little sister is 16 - yes, there is a slight age difference between us (smiles), although she sometimes seems more mature than me. She's currently attending tourism school in Bezau. She really likes it there. Just like when she was with me, she can do whatever she likes. I think that's essential to being good at your job.
Growing up in the hotel and restaurant business, how can you imagine that as someone who doesn't know it?
Bettina Rhomberg: Our house - hotel and restaurant - has always been like a home to me. Only with a lot more life. You learn to communicate and deal with lots of different people right from the start. We also had a family life, but most of it took place in the hotel. Having lunch together was quite normal for us, just at different times - not when the restaurant was busy. I did my homework next to the receptionist and at the regulars' table I painted next to the gentlemen and then tied their shoelaces together.
When others are partying and enjoying themselves, you're working - how does family life work in a business like this?
Bettina Rhomberg: We also had family time together in my childhood and youth. But yes, of course it's always a little more difficult to plan and organize in our industry. Because there's no normal everyday life where you know you'll be home by 5 pm. That's why six years ago we dared to make our opening hours more family-friendly - for our employees and ourselves. We now have two days off a week. We are also closed on public holidays and we have a company vacation over Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Many of your employees have been with you for a long time. What is your secret recipe here?
Bettina Rhomberg: In dealing with employees and generally just being human and fair. But we are also very lucky. We have really great, wonderful employees. We all enjoy working together, there is never a day in our company when we don't laugh. That's part of it for us. This genuine and good atmosphere is also felt by our guests.
When people meet you, you're always in a good mood. People get the feeling that you're passionate about what you do - what's the best thing about your job?
Bettina Rhomberg: I enjoy working with people and, conversely, I enjoy making people happy every day. We have a great team that you can always rely on. I can only put it like this: When your back is stronger, smiling is easier or comes naturally.
Is this genuine joy of hospitality something that has been reflected in the Krone since 1816?
Bettina Rhomberg: What sets us apart is that we are innkeepers at heart. For me, being a landlady stands for down-to-earthness, conviviality and honest hospitality. The guest who comes off the cart in hiking boots gives us just as much pleasure as the one who walks in wearing a suit. That is very important to us. Everyone should simply feel comfortable and welcome here. And we have incredibly nice and very loyal guests. I believe that, as a family business, we also attract these guests for whom real warmth and tradition are important. People notice when warmth and hospitality are just a pretense. I think with us, they feel that everything is genuine.
The joy you take in your work is audible in every sentence you say. But honestly, are there also things you don't like about your day-to-day work?
Bettina Rhomberg: Sure. It happens in every job and everyone knows it. You can't just cherry-pick. Many tasks simply have to be done. You can't choose what you do and what you don't do, but you can certainly choose your attitude towards it. You also often face new challenges. Who would have expected a pandemic, for example. But here too, you grow in and with new situations.
Finally, let's take a look into the future, how should/will things continue with the crown?
Bettina Rhomberg: That's it! (smiles cheerfully)
