Zagreb in Chaos: Teslina Street Loses Terraces in the Peak of Summer Season!
Imagine this: eight popular restaurants in Zagreb’s main gastro zone, on Teslina Street, get an ultimatum from the city – “remove your terraces, at your own expense!” And this happens in mid-July, when the season is at its peak! Yes, you read that right. Construction works to replace gas pipelines, led by the Zagreb City Gas Company, will literally destroy the summer season for restaurateurs who are already at their wit’s end.
What’s going on?
Just about ten days ago, workers in Masaryk Street were notified that they must remove terraces by July 15. The works will last until early September, and excavators and drills will literally replace tables and chairs. Restaurateurs are left to bear the costs of removing terraces themselves, which is absurd since these are infrastructure works mandated by the city.
How does this affect the restaurants?
Imagine having a restaurant with only one table inside, and terraces are your main source of income during summer. Now you have to remove them while excavators make noise and mess right at your doorstep. Some restaurateurs are resigned, others try to understand the situation, but all agree this is a disaster for business. One waiter sharply commented that he might as well lock the restaurant immediately because without terraces, there are no guests.
Why didn’t the city wait until the season ended?
One restaurant owner believes the works could have been postponed until the second half of August, when the number of guests is significantly lower. Instead, the works fall at the worst possible time, halving capacities and revenues.
Noise and chaos on the street
On site, the noise from excavators and drills is unbearable. Every day, workers argue and swear, while passersby silently watch. All this while restaurants struggle to survive the season.
What do city services say?
City services promised to try to preserve the cat mural in Masaryk Street and that the works will be carried out in phases, with temporary traffic regulations. However, restaurateurs are unsure if they will be able to use terraces until September.
Conclusion
This situation is a classic example of how city administration can destroy local business and the summer season without any regard for restaurateurs and citizens. Was it really necessary to carry out the works right now? Will the city compensate for the damage? Restaurateurs are furious, and citizens are confused.
If you have ever enjoyed Teslina Street, now is the time to ask yourself – what is happening to our city? And you, dear readers, what do you think about this chaos? Is this just another example of poor management, or are there other reasons? Drop a comment, share your opinion, or just laugh at this city drama!
