Dirk Hany has stepped down as vice president of the Gastro Stadt Zürich association just months after taking the role, following the bankruptcy of his high-profile Mexican restaurant, Sinaloa, and lingering wage disputes with former employees, Blick reported.
Hany, a prominent 42-year-old bartender and Swiss Barkeeper of the Year 2020, spent five years on the board representing local dining establishments. Appointed vice president at the start of the year, he relinquished the position to take accountability after his Kreis 5 venture collapsed.
The Rise and Sudden Fall of Sinaloa
Sinaloa opened its doors at Gasometerstrasse 5 on November 19, 2025, greeted by enthusiastic reviews across the local culinary scene. Reviewers praised its menu highlights, specifically the rib-eye cut served with bone marrow and Jerusalem artichoke, alongside Oaxaca cheese croquetas with jalapeño and aioli. Despite the fanfare, the kitchen went dark five months ago when the operating company filed for bankruptcy in June 2026.
Anfang Jahr wurde Dirk Hany zum Vizepräsidenten von Gastro Stadt Zürich ernannt. Jetzt tritt er bereits wieder zurück. Hintergrund ist die Pleite seines Restaurants Sinaloa – und ausstehende Löhne, auf die Ex-Angestellte noch immer warten. https://t.co/xttRmu6yWb pic.twitter.com/B3KYdMUsZh
The closure left eight staff members without jobs and missing wages. The financial fallout escalated when a former employee initiated legal proceedings before a peace judge, a step Hany confirmed to Blick. Both parties reached a settlement during the proceeding.
Hany acknowledged that the business failed to clear its final payroll obligations. He maintained that all affected individuals would still receive their compensation through public insurance channels rather than the defunct restaurant itself.
Handling Public Insolvency Compensation
When a Swiss dining establishment becomes insolvent and cannot settle outstanding payroll, workers can tap into insolvency compensation through the unemployment insurance system. This safety net covers unpaid wages for up to four months preceding the insolvency event, subject to statutory insurance ceilings. Employees must file their claims directly with the competent unemployment fund office.
Hany stated that the workforce remained fully informed about the deteriorating financial conditions and the looming threat of bankruptcy. Management provided staff with the necessary documentation to pursue their claims through the state fund.
Reflecting on the collapse, Hany expressed deep regret over the swift demise of the venue. He emphasized that launching a venture involves calculated risks rather than recklessness, noting that the broader Swiss dining industry operates under immense financial pressure.
A Wider Industry Crisis Across Switzerland
Independent restaurateurs face persistent hurdles, including surging labor overhead, operational expenses, rising ingredient costs, and a stubborn shortage of skilled talent. According to data from business information service Crif, 1,019 gastronomic businesses across Switzerland filed for bankruptcy between January and September 2026, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year. Hany declined to comment on the specific triggers that forced Sinaloa into insolvency.
