WIESBADEN, Germany - The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden community can look forward to a new dining and catering service, The Italian Grill, at The Airlift—also known as the Community Activity Center, which houses Fish & Chips and the Cellar—on Clay Kaserne next month.
The opening of this new establishment follows the loss of Little Italy—a long-standing restaurant famous for its status as the Garrison community’s “home away from home”.
“We are grateful for Caesar Micelotte and the Little Italy team for the work they’ve done over the last twenty years to truly make this Garrison our home in Germany,” said Corinna Faulk, a business manager with the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Business Operations Division.
Faulk expressed that FMWR has been working diligently with a new contractor to reopen the establishment as soon as possible and provide a dining experience comparable to its predecessor.
Stepping up to the plate is Christian Kaesemann, a business manager with twenty-six years of experience—and several operations across U.S. Army Garrisons in Germany—who brings with him an intimate understanding of the military communities he serves.
“What I’ve learned is to treat everyone the same way, regardless of rank,” he said.
With a long history of customer service, Kaesemann prioritizes professionalism and talent. His team consists of chefs with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens around Germany. Together, they hope that customers leave the restaurant with a smile on their face and an intent to return.
To achieve this goal, they plan to offer a taste of the familiar—a selection of Italian-American cuisine with a focus on barbecue.
“Barbecue is our favorite,” said Kaesemann. “Our specials are the brisket sandwich and beef ribs, because we smoke the meat for sixteen hours.”
They also bring first-class catering and conferencing services, to-go orders and eventually delivery.
“We’re available for catering and conferences,” said Kaesemann. “We need more time for delivery,” he added. “I want to give my chefs the time that they need to settle in.”
Kaesemann is full of ideas for improving and adapting the restaurant to keep it current and cater to the ever-changing Garrison community. From Oktoberfest celebrations to an outdoor patio lounge, he has big plans to offer new and exciting experiences over the next year.
At the end of the day, Kaesemann hopes that The Italian Grill will serve the same purpose as its predecessor—a home away from home—and with a modern touch.
“There’s a saying in Germany,” he said. “Wenn du nicht mit der Zeit gehst, gehst du mit der Zeit.”
If you don’t move with the times, the times will remove you.
“While Caesar and his team can never be replaced, Garrison Wiesbaden and FMWR are confident in providing our community with a new establishment capable of fulfilling the role that Little Italy leaves behind,” said Faulk.
Patrons are welcomed to the soft opening of The Italian Grill on Tuesday, Sept. 3 for lunch service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and conference/catering. Preview the specials menu and hours of operation below.
Hours of Operation Sept. 3–15
- Sunday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Closed Saturdays
- Conference/catering available
Hours of Operation from Sept. 16
- Sunday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. (last food order at 9 p.m.)
- Closed Saturdays
- Conference/catering available
Sept. 3 Weekly Specials
- Tomato Soup
- BLT Sandwich
- Oven-baked Potato (with or without meat)
- Smoked Beef Ribs
Menu Preview
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