Bolle pizza chain files for insolvency in Hamburg

The Hamburg-based pizza chain Bolle has filed for insolvency, according to proceedings opened by the Hamburg District Court on September 1, 2026. Three of the company's four Hamburg locations—Ottensen, Sternschanze, and Hoheluft-Ost—have already closed. The Hoheluft-Ost location had previously shut down due to low sales and staffing shortages.

Only the Mühlenkamp restaurant remains operational, as it is run by a franchisee not covered by the insolvency proceedings. Insolvency administrator Arno Doebert stated that high production costs from complex in-house manufacturing and general consumer restraint in the gastronomy sector were primary drivers of the crisis.

Founded by John Drewes, the concept began in 2024 as a pop-up near the Hamburg TV Tower. It expanded within two years to four locations in Hamburg and one in Berlin, specializing in Panuozzi (filled pizza sandwiches) and Neapolitan pizzas. Doebert is currently in talks with potential buyers for the closed locations, though he noted that continuing under the Bolle name or current management is unlikely.