Coral Gables pub calls for mayor to resign over World Cup spat
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Fans react during a watch party at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus for the FIFA World Cup draw. Photo: Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The owner of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus is calling on Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago to resign after a dispute over the venue's desire to host World Cup watch parties.
Why it matters: The public call is the latest escalation in the monthlong dispute between the two parties.
- It also comes just days after owner Harald Neuweg confirmed to the Miami Herald that he listed his longstanding Austrian/German restaurant for sale over the public spat.
Catch up quick: Ahead of the World Cup, Neuweg proposed setting up tents and a large screen on the public plaza outside his restaurant for the duration of the tournament. The city commission shut down the idea.
- Before a May 19 commission meeting where they were set to propose a condensed 20-day event, the restaurant took to social media, alleging the city was charging $70,000 for police and fire service.
- Commissioners postponed the item to a later date, with Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson and Commissioner Richard Lara citing safety, traffic, noise and feasibility concerns, per the Herald.
- The next meeting would have occurred just one week before the tournament's start.
- Neuweg revoked his proposal and listed the restaurant for sale.
What they're saying: "I want the Mayor of Coral Gables, Vince Largo, to RESIGN!" the restaurant posted on Facebook over the weekend.
- "The Mayor of Coral Gables has been using the City against me [...]! I am being Bullied by a Political Bully!"
- Neuweg said the city has been against him since 2023, when it announced plans to open the space for solicitation ahead of its lease renewal.
The other side: "No one is targeting this business. To the contrary, I have reached out and remain willing to meet with the owner," Lago told Axios via email.
- "What is in question here is how we responsibly manage the use of city property under the specific circumstances presented," he said.
- The item was deferred because the restaurant added a "last-minute" request for the July 4 weekend that "created real challenges" for the city's public safety departments, Lago said.
Between the lines: The proposal required commission approval because it fell outside the city's existing special event guidelines, multiple outlets reported.
- During the commission meeting, Chief Edward Hudak said police will already be stretched thin, as they're helping with other FIFA-related events, per the Herald.
What's next: The Bierhaus still plans to host viewings of the games inside.
- Should fans congregate on the plaza, Neuweg told the Herald, any cleanup or management won't fall on him.