Midtown Lunch

Today’s New York Daily News has the obituary for Hallo Berlin Cart owner Rolf Babiel:

BABIEL-Rolf, Founder of Hallo Berlin, age 57 died at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, NY, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Rolf Babiel was born June 24, 1952 in Hoyerswerd, Germany. He went to school there & later worked as a machinist in the open pit at Knappenrode. At age 23, August of 1975 he moved from East to West Berlin. There he drove a milk truck at night. In 1981 he immigrated to the United States. He bought a push cart, called it “Hallo Berlin” & began to sell German Wurst.

He set up shop on 54th St. & 9th Ave., next to Lufthansa Headquarters. A few years later he opened his first restaurant in 1985. It was located on 53rd St., & 9th Ave. He then went on to open more restaurants. There is now a Hallo Berlin Express, Hallo Berlin Food & Beer Garden & Hallo Berlin North Tavern. He participated in the Annual 9th Ave. Food Festival. Rolf Babiel is survived by his wife Bernadette, his two sons Peter & Alex, his stepdaughter Cherie & two granddaughters Amerie & Arielle, his mother Rosemarie, his dearest friend Reiner, sister, brother, niece, nephews & other relatives & friends. He was preceded in death by his father Walter & sister Brigitee. Reposing at JOHN J. BARRETT & SON Funeral Home, 424 West 51st St., NY, NY 10019. Visiting Saturday, Oct. 24th & Sunday, Oct. 25th, 2009. Hrs 2-5 & 7-9pm.

There’s just one thing they left out.  In 2005, Rolf was the winner of the very first Vendy Awards… and is also survived by countless admirers of his delicious food.

Related:
Hallo Berlin Cart Owner Rolf Babiel Has Passed Away
At Lunch Now: Hallo Berlin Cart Soldiers On