Alfons Schuhbeck
Alfons Schuhbeck | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alfons Karg May 2, 1949 Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, entrepreneur, author, restaurateur |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Known for | Michelin-starred restaurants, television program Schuhbecks on Bayerischer Rundfunk, cookbooks |
Alfons Schuhbeck (born as Alfons Karg on 2 May 1949) is a prominent German chef, entrepreneur, author, and restaurateur.
Education
Initially trained in telecommunications, Schuhbeck transitioned into the hospitality sector after his encounter with restaurateur Sebastian Schuhbeck, who became both his mentor and adoptive father. He pursued formal education at the College of Hotel Management Bad Reichenhall and enhanced his expertise through training in Salzburg, Geneva, Paris, London, and at Munich’s prestigious three-Michelin-starred Aubergine under chef Eckart Witzigmann.
Career
Schuhbeck assumed control of the Kurhausstüberl from Sebastian Schuhbeck in 1980, turning it into a sought-after venue favored by Munich and Salzburg’s high society. By 1983, he was awarded one Michelin star, distinguishing himself as the third non-French chef to achieve this honor. In 1989, the French Gault Millau guide granted him 17 points and honored him with the title of Cook of the Year.
From 1990 onward, Schuhbeck has managed a catering enterprise serving prestigious occasions such as celebrations for the German Chancellor, the Ball des Sports, and the ECHO music awards. The launch of Südtiroler Stuben in Munich in 2003 brought him a second Michelin star by December of that year. He was also recognized with the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences in 2005.
Maintaining a significant presence in media, Schuhbeck has hosted the television program Schuhbecks on Bayerischer Rundfunk since 1993 and authored more than twenty cookbooks.
The COVID-19 crisis had a substantial negative effect on his business ventures. Following delays in government financial support, Schuhbeck declared bankruptcy on 18 July 2021.
Businesses
During the late 1990s, Schuhbeck established Schuhbecks GmbH, which includes the Südtiroler Stuben restaurant, a wine bistro, catering service, culinary school, spice shop, and ice cream parlor—all located in Munich. In 2001, he founded Schuhbeck Check Inn GmbH to manage the Check Inn restaurant and bar situated in Egelsbach in southern Hesse.
Tax evasion and imprisonment
In October 2022, Schuhbeck received a prison sentence of three years and two months for tax evasion.