Danke Schön: Heino's German Restaurant in Woodstock closes

The final award-winning schnitzel has been served at an iconic New Brunswick restaurant.

After more than three decades, Heino's German restaurant, near Woodstock, served its last meal and closed its doors Sunday.

The German restaurant, part of the John Gyles Motor Inn, was the winner of multiple culinary awards during its 32-years, including the prestigious 'Where to eat in Canada' award.

Owner Heino Toedter was too emotional to speak with CBC on Sunday, but the retiring chef's daughter was able to speak on his behalf.

"It's very sad, I've worked here since I was a little girl," said Natasha Toedter.

"We've built a really loyal clientele over the years. Because every year you see them for their birthday or their anniversary and they're almost like family now," said said.

"So it's like we've created a larger — this is a family business — but it's like we've created a larger family-within-a-family."

Heino Toedter built the restaurant after emigrating with his family from Germany more than three decades ago, bringing his recipes and cultural dishes with him to Canada.

The business was considered a destination restaurant, with customers often travelling from neighbouring cities to enjoy the German cuisine. The restaurant managed to maintain its success, even after the construction of the new highway, which saw a drastic decline in passing traffic.

Cote Barmit of Switzerland was one of the last customers to enjoy Toedter's food on Sunday afternoon.

"I was here nine years ago and I'm back here now this week for the final time," said Barmit. "It is very, very good."

"A lot of people have been coming here every evening, the restaurant has been full," he said."People were coming in the kitchen to bring gifts to Heino and to wish him all the best."

Natasha Toedter added that after 32 years in the business, her father is looking forward to just cooking for his family for for a while.