Blikle's café is fighting for survival. She is overwhelmed by rent and millions of dollars in debt
As the newspaper describes, the current debt of the premises exceeds PLN 2 million.
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“Blikle was not defeated by war or communism. And today he can overcome rent.”
The main problem – as the company's representatives emphasize – is the rent resulting from the contract concluded with the city in 1994. Initially it amounted to 5.1 thousand. PLN per month, but the provisions on annual indexation led to a situation in which today it exceeds 60 thousand. PLN per month, and including fees amounts to approximately PLN 65,000. zloty.
Since August 2024, the cafe has been operating without a lease agreement. After its termination by the city, and supervised by the Real Estate Management Board, the so-called double rent, which means an additional approx. PLN 130,000. PLN per month. This causes the debt to grow rapidly.
— Blikle was not defeated by war or communism. And today it can beat the rent – say representatives of the cafe in an interview with “Gazeta Wyborcza”.
According to the company, the premises were never profitable and were maintained for years at the expense of other outlets. The pandemic has only deepened the problems. In 2024, the company reported a loss of over PLN 1.5 million. Despite this, prices in the cafe remain relatively low – a donut costs less than PLN 10 and a coffee about PLN 15.
Blikle's representatives also point to unequal treatment of tenants. As they claim, other premises in the same area pay much lower rents – even several times lower. However, the office's data shows that the average rate in Nowy Świat is approximately PLN 242 per square meter, while in Blikle it is higher.
The city emphasizes that it is open to talks, but imposes conditions. To sign a new contract, the cafe must repay the debt or enter into a settlement, set new rates and pay a deposit.
The long history of a Warsaw café. It was visited by distinguished Poles
The case also arouses emotions among local politicians. Councilors point out that Warsaw is losing places with history, being replaced by chain stores and establishments focused mainly on selling alcohol. In their opinion, a more sustainable rental policy for city premises is needed.
The history of the place dates back to 1869, when Antoni Blikle opened a confectionery shop under his own name. Over the decades, the place has become one of the symbols of Warsaw, hosting outstanding figures of cultural life, such as Władysław Reymont, Stefan Żeromski and Gabriela Zapolska. The cafe survived World War II, the Polish People's Republic period and the political transformation.
Key talks with the city authorities are to take place in the coming days. If they fail to reach an agreement, the cafe's more than 150-year history could end within a month.
— It's not just business. This is a piece of Warsaw history – emphasize the representatives of the premises.
