SRF emigrants open waffle bar in Florida

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Marina Marrer and Mike Hostettler also dreamed the American dream. They emigrated to Florida, SRF portrayed the couple’s journey.
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They opened a waffle restaurant in a mall in Tampa.
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Hostettler is actually a police officer and a hobby tattoo artist.
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The realization of their dream was turbulent: The corona outbreak and the associated difficulties with authorities and staff made life difficult for both of them.

The SRF emigrants have already turned many crazy dreams into reality. But who comes up with the sweet idea of opening a waffle restaurant in Florida?

Marina Marrer (30) and her husband Mike Hostettler (44) don’t have anything to do with the waffle. But they absolutely love the fluffy, airy pastries. In the first episode of the new season of “Up and Away” (today, SRF 1, 8:55 p.m.) we see how the two of them came up with the idea of setting off from Kandertal in the Bernese Oberland to Tampa in Florida. To get into the waffle business there.

Support from waffle chain

They had visited a waffle bar in Bern and learned there that the German restaurant chain Wonder Waffel is looking for independent partners, so-called franchisees, who can use their know-how to open waffle restaurants abroad. “We have never worked in a restaurant, but we get help,” says Marina a little hesitantly at the beginning of the series. But she always wanted to emigrate. “Switzerland is just too small.”

Mike has been dreaming the American dream for 20 years. Hitting Route 66, enjoying the sun, that has always been on his mind. He was a police officer and hobby tattoo artist and even had his own studio. He is 15 years older than Marina and has three children from a previous relationship – but they will stay in Switzerland.

From Kandertal to Florida

In the first episode, the two of them vacate their apartment in the Bernese Oberland and drive to the company’s headquarters in Berlin to learn the secrets of the waffle business. They will have to pay a fee in the future and run their business according to the company’s plans. Every plate is different: customers can choose from several dozen ingredients. “Americans know the pastry, but not with all these ingredients. There you only get the bare waffles – if necessary with a little honey on them, ”explains Mike.

First problems in the new home

But when the two arrive in Florida in 2020, they work up a sweat for the first time. Corona is just breaking out. Everything is delayed, and the renovation of your waffle restaurant is barely getting anywhere. The immigration service is also only working to a lesser extent, and visa extensions are becoming a tremendous game. Since it is hardly possible to find staff either, the two of them work around the clock.

But then they can finally open their restaurant. However, some things also go wrong on the first day. Shortly before the first guests arrive, Marina covers herself with hazelnut cream from head to toe. What a sweet mess!