An interview with the owner of Wolfy's Adventures, which was originally published in the "Heute" magazine on December 29, 2024
This Viennese entrepreneur earns a living by “letting his guests eat cake”!
Wolfgang Kaufmann (57), now Vienna-based, lived in New York for several years, as well as in France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Greece and the Caribbean. After his training at the Hotel School in Bad Gastein, Austria, Wolfgang had an appetite for the world: in the late 1980s, not yet 20, he hitchhiked to the Côte d'Azur in the south of France, worked as a waiter and acquired knowledge about food, wine, food culture and international guests.
Years later, returning to Vienna, a colleague gave him a new job idea in 2017 and "Wolfy's Adventures" was born. These "food adventures" off-the-beaten-track in Vienna’s outer districts last several hours. Wolfgang explains: “It's not just about food. It's about everything. Not about touristy Vienna, but about the “real Vienna”, with its authentic eateries and insider tips.” “I haven't been to Café Central in the last 20 years", says Wolfgang about one of Vienna’s popular tourist destinations. The travelers who book "Wolfy's Adventures" are also looking for different culinary and cultural experiences. Wolfgang takes his guests to the local places that represent the diverse character of Vienna.
A “Walking Food Experience” costs up to 150 Euros
During the approximately 5-hour walks through several districts in Vienna, which cost around 140 to 150 euros, Wolfgang explains, “we go through at least five “courses” that you would normally eat in one restaurant, but spread out over several city districts. You get to see Vienna from a new perspective, eat and drink here, drink there, go to food markets, see the city as the locals live it. We highlight the authentic sides of Vienna. And we are hardly in the First District!” There are about three “adventures” a day guided by local “insiders”, six days a week. Sundays are off - time for “administrative work.
In addition to group excursions with up to eight guests, which are offered in English, you can also book private experiences, even with a private car service and in other languages: German, French, Italian or Spanish. In the groups guided by the 8 self-employed leaders on Wolfgang's staff, around 65 percent of bookings are made by American tourists, but increasingly also by travelers from other parts of the world.
He doesn't believe in “hype”.
In his life abroad, Wolfgang was a waiter, barista, hotel manager, bar manager. He doesn't believe in “hype”. If there is a new “foodie” opening in Vienna, he waits until he has tested it. "If it's still great after three months, I might take a look at it", says Wolfgang. But basically, he only chooses places for his guests that also understand something about hospitality. "I rely on my own instinct. It has to be friendly; the quality has to be right; you have to feel welcome. That's the most important thing."
Earn money by letting his guests eat cake!
There are five different “adventures” to choose from, depending on the season. You can book an "adventure" up to 12 hours in advance. The “Early Tour”, focusing on Vienna’s markets and traditional “Gasthaüser” and the "Pastry Tour", where the focus is on pastries, are very popular - and he earns his money by “letting them eat cake”! People are flooded with information these days, guide books and tips. That's why his recommendations are particularly popular at this time, says Kaufmann.
Dream job found!
The "Wolfy" concept is now being copied. "But we were the first to do it!" As a young man, Wolfgang found it exciting to work with international guests. At the time, he thought: "I like that. You could make that your job!" Now, it is his job and he can make a living from it. "You won't become a millionaire doing it, but it is fun! I am my own boss. I have found my dream job!"
In a nutshell
Wolfgang Kaufmann, who has lived in several countries and worked as a waiter, barista and hotel manager, now Vienna-based, offers culinary tours through Vienna under the name "Wolfy's Adventures".
For 140 to 150 euros, he takes guests to the city's culinary highlights, off the beaten tourist track, and earns his money by “letting them eat cake”, among other things.
コメント