Credit: Zurich Bean Festival, Facebook
The beloved Zurich Bean Kitchen, a symbol of culinary innovation and community spirit, met its end last week (Wed. July 19).
The iconic kitchen, which held a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike, leaves behind a trail of memories and urban legends about its unique and innovative cooking methods.
Heidi Klopp, the Advertising Coordinator and Bean Festival Committee Member, shared insights into the condition of the facilities before their demolition,
The committee was faced with a difficult financial decision when it came to deciding whether to revive the property, or move in a different direction,
Klopp also shed light on the kitchen’s intriguing history, with tales of its founding fathers’ innovative spirit,
Volunteers cooking beans in the kitchen in 2017 | Credit: Zurich Bean Festival, Facebook
To fill the void left by the goods produced in the kitchen, the committee has partnered with local businesses, food trucks, and restaurants to serve bean dishes for festival goers to enjoy.
The community is now left to ponder the future of the property, which is owned by the committee. There are aspirations to repurpose the space for community use, envisioning possibilities like a vibrant mural or a pavilion. While the iconic kitchen may be gone, the spirit of the community remains strong,
Regarding plans for a future replacement, Klopp stated that at this time, the committee does not intend to rebuild the kitchen in its original form.
Klopp stressed that the future possibility of reviving the space as a community hub would help preserve the essence of the Bean Festival, albeit in a different form. The Zurich Bean Kitchen had been more than just a place to cook beans; it was a gathering point where people shared stories, laughter, and culinary experiences.
The festival is coming up on the fourth Saturday in August, and there will still be beans – they just might not be cooked inside of a retro refridgerator.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
