Our Familie Origins

A Brief History of Hollerbach's German Restaurant

Hollerbach’s German Restaurant was founded in 2001 by Theo and Linda Hollerbach in the heart of Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida. Their vision was to create a place where guests could experience Gemütlichkeit—a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with great food, laughter, and cheer.

From humble beginnings, the restaurant has grown into a Sanford staple, known for its authentic German cuisine, vibrant festivals, and live entertainment. Hollerbach’s celebrates the rich culture of Germany while honoring the spirit of Sanford’s historic community.

Today, the restaurant spans multiple locations downtown, including:

  • Hollerbach’s German Restaurant – The flagship, serving classic dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels.

  • Market – A German deli and market offering specialty foods, baked goods, and imported beers.

  • Outfitters – A shop featuring authentic German clothing and gifts.

Downtown Sanford itself is a charming destination, filled with brick-lined streets, independent shops, and a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Hollerbach’s is proud to be a cornerstone of this vibrant community, hosting events like Oktoberfest, Krampusnacht, and live music nights that bring locals and visitors together.

Now, as we expand to the Orlando Sanford International Airport, we’re excited to bring a taste of Sanford’s history and Hollerbach’s signature Gemütlichkeit to travelers from around the world. We hope you’ll share our story with pride and encourage guests to visit our larger restaurant downtown to experience everything we have to offer!

Expanding the Hollerbach Experience

In our commitment to enhance the offerings of Downtown Sanford, we launched additional brands that cater to diverse tastes and preferences:

  • The Joint at West End – A vibrant spot for American pub classics, The Joint serves up the crispy wings and mozzarella sticks, each bite crafted to perfection. This is your go-to for a casual yet memorable bar grub.

  • Burgerbach’s at Tuffy’s – Focusing on Omaha Style smashed burgers, this venue provides a casual yet delicious approach to American classics.

No matter where you are in Downtown Sanford or what you’re in the mood for, Hollerbach’s has something for everyone.

Fun Fact: Theo Hollerbach is originally from Germany, and his dedication to authentic recipes and cultural traditions is the heart of everything we do.

Theo’s Three Rules

#1 Exceed Expectations 

#2 Create a Benefit 

#3 Generate a Profit


Kyllburg, Germany - est. 800 AD

Kyllburg is a small town (population 992) in the Eifel region where the Hollerbach family originated. Theo’s grandfather owned a butcher shop there, and his mother was one of the first women in the region to attain the title of certified butcher. Theo’s experiences as a child in his grandfather’s butcher shop were a key influence for opening his own German Market! To Learn more about his hometown and keep up to date Follow the city of Kyllburg on Facebook!

Linda, Christina, and Theo Hollerbach