Lockdown Pushes Sausage Vendors from Alex: Unraveling the Impact on Half-Human, Half-Grill Traders
Berlin, once a bustling city filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled sausages, has lost a legendary institution. The Grillwalkers, known for their affordable food options and iconic presence at various city locations, have closed their doors for good.
The Grillwalkers, a brainchild of Bertram Rohloff, the inventor of the portable grill, started their business in 1997. Initially charging just one euro per sausage, they provided a much-needed affordable meal during times of mass unemployment in East Germany. Over the years, they expanded their operations to popular spots like Alexanderplatz, Olympic Stadium, Warschauer Straße, Wuhlheide, Friedrichstraße, and even in front of the old fortress during Union games.
At the height of its operation, the Grillwalkers had 22 employees. However, most of them found new jobs or moved out of Berlin after the business closed. Bertram Rohloff, who was also a former boss of the Grillwalkers, never employed people in wheelchairs due to safety reasons, contrary to some misconceptions.
The Grillwalkers' business thrived in its initial years, earning the reputation of a money-making machine. Their sausages, briefly grilled and served with a toasted bun, were a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The taste was a far cry from the offerings of nearby snack bars, where the same sausages often cost a euro more.
However, the curfews imposed during the Corona period marked the end of the Grillwalkers' business. The decline during this period was a staggering 30%. Despite numerous visits in 2025, the writer was unable to find any trace of the Grillwalkers at Alexanderplatz, the hotel, Saturn, or Alexa.
The Grillwalkers were more than just a food vendor. They were a beloved part of Berlin's street food culture, a symbol of affordability and community spirit. Their absence leaves a void that may never be filled.
While efforts to trace the current status of the Grillwalker company and its employees yielded no concrete results, it is recommended to check local Berlin news outlets, business registries, or social media channels more directly associated with Grillwalker for updates. Visiting forums or community pages related to Berlin street food culture could also provide valuable insights.
In the heart of the city that once hummed to the sizzle of the Grillwalkers' grill, the silence is deafening. But the memory of the Grillwalkers and their sausages lives on, a testament to a time when Berlin was a little warmer, a little more welcoming, and a lot more delicious.
The absence of the Grillwalkers leaves a void in Berlin's lifestyle, where affordable food-and-drink options were once a staple of the city's home-and-garden atmosphere. In the heart of the city, the silence serves as a reminder of the warm, welcoming, and delicious community that was fostered around the iconic street food vendor.
