Scan Magazine | Inn of the Month | Denmark
Inn of the Month, Denmark
30 years of quality food and happy guests Hodde Kro in Tistrup focuses on traditional Danish cuisine and, with the family-run restaurant about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, it is expanding to offer guests extended accommodation facilities. By Susan Hansen | Photos: Peder Hammersvang Kristensen
Vinni Schmidt, owner and founder of Hodde Kro (‘kro’ is ‘inn’ in Danish), has never had any reason to look for employment elsewhere since she started the business with a friend 30 years ago. Her friend left after four years, but Schmidt kept at it and has seen it undergo numerous changes. “I always knew it was the right thing,” she says. “I live and breathe Hodde Kro – it is a 24/7 job. There are ups and downs like everywhere else, but it is a great place to work.”
place is never really closed. We don’t watch the clock – if customers arrive late at night, we stay open.”
Husband and business partner Bjarne Schmidt helps manage the restaurant, and their son Nicklas Schmidt, a waiter and trained chef, is due to take over soon. The family employs 30 dedicated staff members to create flexibility, dedication and a strong personal touch.
The area has much to offer visitors. Activities include the world-renowned Legoland; Mariehaven, a park famous for hosting music events; ponds for salmon fishing, and plenty of local businesses.
Hodde Kro serves guests every day of the week, and the Schmidt partners admit to devoting all their time to the place. “The 98 | Issue 97 | February 2017
of a few days’ work. We are nearly always open, and we are in a great location.” Customer satisfaction levels are skyhigh, says Bjarne Schmidt. “Returning customers make up almost 100 per cent of our business, and on the accommodation side we are seeing lots of new customers. We are just thrilled.”
Last year, Hodde Kro expanded the business to include accommodation in the shape of black wooden cottages. As an added benefit, if the team is informed ahead of arrival, dogs are welcome to stay. Guests from countries as far afield as Brazil, China, Finland, Norway and the United States have spent the night.
Vinni Schmidt believes the popularity of the inn is down to skill and experience, but she credits the surrounding area. “We have been around for the past 30 years, so what we have is not just a result
For more information, please visit: www.hoddekro.dk