Person of The Month: Birgit Alber

A new culinary destination has recently enriched the already diverse gastronomic scene of Bolzano-Bozen’s historic centre. The premises formerly occupied by Bar La Piazza, located at the foot of the monument to Walther von der Vogelweide in Walther Square, have been taken over and completely renovated by the Alber family.

Originally from the Renon plateau but Bolzano residents by choice, the Albers are best known for transforming Vögele into one of South Tyrol’s most beloved inns since taking over its management in 1993. Today, both locals and visitors consider it a benchmark for traditional South Tyrolean hospitality and cuisine.

Mrs. Alber, you and your husband have managed to make Vögele—one of the city’s oldest inns—a place where excellent cuisine and the elegance of tradition come together.

After thirty-three years of working in and for our inn, I can truly say that we have become a point of reference both for the people of Bolzano and for visitors who return to us every time they come to the city. Some families have been spending their holidays in South Tyrol for generations. The first couples we welcomed years ago later returned with their children, and today we are delighted to welcome their grandchildren as well.

Yours is a true family business. What is your specific role within the company?

I take care of our guests, the atmosphere of the restaurant, the decorations, and the administrative side of the business, while my husband Willy is responsible for operations and for bringing South Tyrolean culinary traditions to life through his cooking.

We have always approached our work with passion. From my perspective, it is the most beautiful profession in the world. Being in contact with people every day is incredibly rewarding. Our three children—Damian, Andreas, and Leonie—grew up with this spirit. Today, all three work in the hospitality industry, although perhaps we once imagined a different future for them, knowing how demanding this profession can be.

You have now opened a new venture with a very different gastronomic concept.

As I mentioned, we are a team. Andreas has long managed the Boutique Hotel Gloriette in Oberbozen, while Leonie recently opened her own restaurant in Munich, aptly named “Bolzanino.” Damian has successfully managed Vögelino, renowned for its aperitifs, and Vögelati, famous for its artisanal gelato.

Now he has dedicated himself to the opening of “La Piazza,” transforming it into a welcoming venue specialising in pizza and pasta. The concept was influenced both by the relatively compact size of the premises—which nevertheless revealed surprising possibilities during the renovation—and by the requests of the many visitors who fill Walther Square every day.

Many tourists, particularly those arriving from northern Europe, are looking for an excellent pizza served in a beautiful setting. At the same time, the restaurant is intended to appeal to Bolzano residents of all ages who may not wish to sit down for a full restaurant meal and instead prefer a high-quality pizza or pasta dish in a relaxed atmosphere.

So this new venture will be led by your son Damian, but it still involves the whole family?

In life, as in business, we are a team. We always support one another, just as families do. Whenever someone needs help, there is always another family member ready to step in and temporarily take on that role.

Harmony and passion are essential in everything one undertakes, and that is precisely what we strive to bring to our work every day for our guests.

Image: Birgit Alber, Courtesy of Birgit Alber