By Coral Gables Gazette staff
For 24 years, or the last six FIFA World Cups, soccer fans in Coral Gables have flocked to Fritz and Franz Bierhaus on the southeast corner of the Merrick Way parking garage to enjoy the planet’s biggest sporting event at the German restaurant and pub.
So it makes sense that there would be considerable excitement that in five weeks, the largest-ever FIFA World Cup will kick off with seven games played in Miami and with FIFA recently moving its North American headquarters into the City Beautiful itself. But that was not the case at the City Commission’s May 5 meeting.
Instead, city residents were met with the sobering news that they might not be able to see the quadrennial World Cup celebration at Fritz and Franz, the only large-scale watch party currently planned in the Gables.
A long-standing tradition meets new resistance
That’s because the Coral Gables Commission isn’t convinced that Harald Neuweg, the owner of Fritz and Franz, who pays the city close to $190,000 a year in rent, has done enough to mitigate the noise, garbage and overall disruption to the neighborhood caused by the outdoor celebration ahead of the World Cup.
Mayor Vince Lago led an effort to stop a vote on a resolution authorizing Fritz and Franz to utilize the public plaza outside the restaurant for the established watch parties. Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson and Commissioner Richard Lara all indicated they would not support the proposal without additional assurances that residents and business owners in the area would be protected from negative impacts.
“This plaza doesn’t belong to one person,” Lago said during the meeting. “It belongs to the community as a whole.”
The proposed resolution would have allowed Fritz and Franz to maintain a temporary World Cup setup at Bierhaus Plaza from June 11 through July 19, including tents, seating, barricades and a large viewing screen for selected matches.
Neighbors say the celebration comes at a cost
Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro noted the restaurant had previously received approvals for similar recent events during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 UEFA Euro and Copa América tournaments, but acknowledged the city has received complaints from nearby residents over the years.
“We do get noise complaints from Ten Aragon and 55 Merrick Way, and we have for many years,” Couceyro said.
City leaders call for a stricter game plan
Lago said he had personally received “an extensive amount” of calls from residents and business owners concerned about noise, safety and cleanliness.
“When the games are played at night, people who want to go to sleep, they can’t go to sleep,” Lago said. “This is literally in the middle of a residential neighborhood.”
The mayor repeatedly emphasized that he was not opposed to watch party celebrations but wanted a more comprehensive operational plan before approving the event.
“This is the World Cup in the United States of America,” Lago said. “People are going to come to your establishment in droves.”
Move to public park?
Vice Mayor Anderson suggested relocating the watch parties to Ponce Circle Park, which recently hosted a University of Miami football watch party without incident.
“You can’t control crowds when they’re excited about a goal being made,” Anderson said. “The decibel levels are going to be more than twice what the permissible levels are.”
Couceyro agreed the park could potentially accommodate select games, though he questioned whether a six-week setup would be feasible there.
Owner says the tournament is essential to the business
Neuweg defended both the event and his restaurant’s track record, noting Fritz and Franz has hosted World Cup gatherings for decades without major incidents.
“We did this now for 32 years in the City of Coral Gables,” Neuweg said. “This is something we look forward to every two years.” He acknowledged the celebrations can become loud but argued that most matches occur during the daytime or early evening hours.
“Most of the games are finished by 8 p.m.,” Neuweg said. “The big screen will not be on at all times.” Neuweg also described the tournament as critical to the restaurant’s survival and success. “For us, it’s Christmas in July,” he said.
Lago later seized on that remark while reiterating his concerns.
“I cannot respond to residents and say, ‘Listen, this is this gentleman’s Christmas, we just have to put up with it,’” the mayor said.
The restaurant owner insisted the business has consistently worked with police and city staff to address concerns, hiring off-duty officers, pressure-cleaning the plaza and eliminating music events because of city noise regulations. “Our record speaks for itself,” Neuweg said. “We’ve never had a problem on the plaza.”
Supporters point to a boost for downtown commerce
Commissioner Melissa Castro emerged as Fritz and Franz’s strongest defender, arguing the event generates business not only for the restaurant but for the entire downtown district. “When you bring people to your event, you’re also supporting all the other local businesses,” Castro said. “This brings business to our downtown.”
Neuweg added that the city financially benefits through parking revenues generated during major soccer events. “We pack the garage for every single game,” he said. “The city makes the money with the garage – we don’t get one penny from the garage.”
A split on how much the plaza should be used
Still, Lara sided with Lago and Anderson, calling the six-week occupation of the plaza excessive. “It’s as if we’re giving up the plaza for six weeks straight,” Lara said. “That’s not what I believe is fair or appropriate.”
Rather than formally rejecting the proposal, commissioners encouraged Neuweg to return with a revised plan that could include shorter event durations, fewer games or alternative locations.
The temporary rejection stands in contrast with the city’s broader embrace of soccer and FIFA-related activity. Coral Gables has hosted World Cup and soccer-related workshops through the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, soccer conferences at the Coral Gables Country Club and is home to both FIFA’s corporate offices and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee.
The commission’s hesitation also raises questions for some observers about why, after nearly a quarter century of World Cup watch parties, the city is now placing new roadblocks in front of the event.
A familiar dispute resurfaces
This is not the first time current city officials and politicians have clashed with Neuweg. In recent years, city officials moved to seek new proposals for the city-owned property occupied by Fritz and Franz for more than two decades. The dispute became one of the most contentious issues at City Hall in early 2024, with city officials citing maintenance concerns, below-market rent and landlord-tenant disputes, while residents and loyal patrons packed commission meetings to defend the restaurant and criticized the city for mishandling another beloved local institution. The controversy became so politically charged that it even surfaced during the February 2024 firing of City Manager Peter Iglesias, who was rehired last year.
Some of those political previous political divisions could be seen in which candidates and commissioners chose Fritz and Franz to host post-election events in recent years.
The match is paused — not over
For now, though, the city has effectively issued a yellow card – not a red one – leaving the future of World Cup watch parties in Coral Gables still very much in play.
This Post Has 22 Comments
I’m one of those “affected” residents. It’s fine.
Update the firmware on your hearing-aids.
My family (Gables 6 voters) support outdoor dining/activities and Fritz Franz Bierhaus!!! Yes, cleanup and OK for noise to 10pm. Support business. It tough to stay in business with ever increasing taxes and red tape.
Coral Gables and City leadership are really good at one thing…. “Killing Businesses!”
My son and grandson are coming from Scotland to watch the games with dad. They were so excited to watch the games at Fritz and Franz! We also previously owned at 10 Aragon, we knew when we purchased there you know that there is some periodic partys at Fritz and Franz. Coral Gables please support local businesses!
it must be really loud if the residents can hear it through impact resistant windows….and its a valid question if the owner of Fritz and Franz can’t control the crowds and noise…The food and beer is great at Fritz and Franz…Probably the best German beer in town and the sausages and Wienerschnitzal are awesome….Great atmosphere but it can get rowdy..
If this was another city anywhere in the world, such as London, Paris, Rome, etc., there would not be an issue. In fact, those games that end at 8PM, add 5 to 6 hrs and we are now in the after midnight. Soccer Fans are avid fans and in what sport do you hear from the announcers to the fans screeam Gooooooooooooool, several time and all in unison.
Let the games be and stop this non-sense of punishing fans and therefore the business from running a successful event.
Now, lets talk about cleaning and trash pickup. Have them purchase a Bond for cleaning. If the cleanup is not performed according to the city, the city retains the bond to pay for it.
Solutions are easy to come by, so if you are for the residents, support the residents that enjoy this event which is only for a few days
City of Coral Gables goes above and beyond for newcomer FIFA, but is turning its back on longtime Gables business Fritz und Franz? Deplorable.
This World Cup is already the most expensive in history for fans, and now our own city is trying to squash one of the opportunities where we come together as a community. Yes, there’s always extra noise, but it’s temporary and if you choose lo live in the middle of a city’s downtown area, noise should be expected.
Let Fritz und Franz host the watch parties as they have done so without incidents for so many years now.
This is a special FIFA year for Gables residents. I fully support Comm Castro’s
endorsement of the traditional Frits & Frans outdoor coverage. I’ll be there!
Special Events in City Plazas are a tradition, and yes… soccer fans can push enthusiasm to the limit on occasion. In the long run, if this type of restriction is continued, the issue tilts for good, and that’s the end to special events in the plaza. If Fritz and Franz was an annoyance every weekend, that would be a very different story.
If this was a Super Bowl event, there would be no debate.
A world-class international city embraces world culture events, and finds a way to accommodate them respectfully, with enthusiasm and reasonable guard rails that balance the excitement with accommodations for resident. The commission is trying to find this balance, but must realize that the threat of cancelling a fine tradition is beyond awkward — and a grand disappointment for those that put this event on their calendar far in advance and come from great distances to participate.
International heroes play admirably in the World Cup games, and local heroes of city management find ways to reasonable accommodate world class, legacy sporting events in their city. Yes, looking for ways to assuage the concerns of residents while firmly supporting great events. Get it right now, and for the future, so we can stop debating these issues ad nauseum and enjoy the games, the spectacle and the camaraderie.
When I heard this news I was appalled. Fritz and Franz Bierhaus has hosted numerous successful public events over its many years, including Oktoberfest and should be allowed to continue to do so. This establishment has been around FOREVER and is known as THE PLACE to go and watch the soccer matches. As the writer pointed out, for six World Cups, residents and visitors have gathered at Fritz and Franze to watch and celebrate. They should be allowed to continue to do so. I would like to point out that Fritz and Franz was there LONG before the residences that built up around them. You cannot expect to live in a downtown area of a City and not hear some noise once in a while. That’s like moving to Manhattan and complaining about the noise. I am sure there is some kind of compromise that can be made, especially since Coral Gables is hosting the temporary FIFA headquarters.
I am very much qualified to state the following.
60 year Coral Gables Resident. I have been to over 200 ports in 5 Continents. City Plazas worldwide host World Cup Matches, right in the HEART of those Cities and Towns and Villages.WHATS THE PROBLEM HERE Mr. MAYOR and COMMISSIONERS???
We are LUCKY that in the
City Beautiful, Coral Gables, we can enjoy a venue like Fritz and Franz that offers many Soccer Fans the opportunity to witness the excitement of World Cup games. WORLD CUP! The largest and most prestigious and important sporting event once every 4 years in the Planet!! And the Host country( except for a couple of Matches, is the USA! Ponce De Leon displays countless Foreign Flags, Coral Gables is home to several Foreign Consulates, and FIFA Headquarters sit 4 blocks from the Fritz and Franz Plaza. Do the residents of 10 Aragon and 55 Merrick complain when there are Block Parties with Loud Music up and down Miracle Mile?? When they Purchased or Rented Apartments there didn’t they know this area is Surrounded by Restaurants and Bars and activity?
I’m sure 90% of people that live in those 2 buildings Fo not mind the 4 week World celebration that’s the World Cup and appreciate the Convenience of walking a short distance to countless Restaurants and stores.
None of these Soccer Matches will interfere with anyone’s sleeping habits, unless they sleep in their balcony.Be Grateful for Fritz and Franz utilizing that plaza to bring Soccer Fans from many countries together, THIS IS LIFE, CULTURE, and BTW,
For those complaining , GET A LIFE, go downstairs, have a couple of Great German beers or Cocktails and Wiener schnitzel and enjoy an amazing celebration!
And if all that is not enough, place a substantial bet on any of these games and then you will understand what adrenaline really means and I can guarantee you will watch every single of the 90 minutes and overtime!
Knockout Stage, PENALTY KICKS, !
Stop these Stupid Complaining and like Steely Dan once said ,” They joined the Human Race”!!
The Mayor [king 🤴] meddling again…
I’ve been going to Fritz and Franz for years, and it’s disappointing to see the City of Coral Gables targeting one of the few places that actually brings authentic community spirit to the area. During big soccer tournaments and events like the World Cup, this bar becomes more than just a business — it becomes a gathering place for families, friends, locals, and visitors who want to celebrate together in a safe and joyful environment.
Instead of supporting a long-standing local establishment that contributes to the culture and energy of Coral Gables, the city seems more concerned with restrictions and appearances than with the people who actually live here and enjoy these events. Fritz and Franz has always represented the kind of neighborhood business cities should protect: family-owned, community-oriented, and full of character.
Coral Gables often talks about supporting local businesses, but actions like this send the opposite message. Big corporate venues are welcomed, while beloved local spots face unnecessary pressure for simply creating a fun atmosphere that residents clearly enjoy.
I sincerely hope the city reconsiders its approach and works with Fritz and Franz instead of against them. Places like this are part of what gives Coral Gables personality and life. Losing that in favor of excessive regulation would be a mistake for the entire community.
Mayor Vince paced the Gables floor,
“Can we squeeze in FIFA more!”
Neighbors shouted,“No more traffic, please,
We dodge golf carts, parking and trees.”
But other neighbors shouted with flair,
“Think of the economy everywhere!
The world will watch our lovely town,
Even if parking breaks us down.”
Mayor Vince Lago don’t be a putz.
Bad decisions already drive us nuts
So FIFA came with balls and fame,
And every street looked quite the same:
Games were televised and whistles blew,
While Vince yelled, “GOOOOAL!” at City Hall too.
So clever! Kudos to you oh Bard!
Again we have the worst Mayor in Coral Gables history dictating what businesses should do. Will Lago please go sit in a corner and zip it. We need these watch parties for businesses but you would not understand that. You make the worst decisions and we are tired of your KING behavior. We are looking forward to watching the games there, so just stop your dictating to people who have a life. You have really hurt this City with your poor leadership.
After 25 years of building soccer culture in Coral Gables, now the city wants to tie Fritz & Franz’s hands while clearly favoring another restaurant. Fritz and Franz Bierhaus made soccer popular here long before it was trendy — showing Champions League, Bundesliga, and international matches when nobody else did.
Nothing against the other restaurant, but you can’t fake football culture, tradition, or atmosphere. The city is letting emotions and favoritism get involved, and honestly that’s not professional at all.
Their behavior is just embarrassing!
This is embarrassing. Awful. Another poor decision.
I can’t believe it was commissioner Castro the only one defending this local gem. Vote them all out! We need our businesses to thrive. Not a hard concept to understand. Lara and Anderson should learn a little from Castro. She’s the only one that really represents us!
It’s simple, limit the noise until 10PM weeknights, 11PM weekends and let the games begin! I live close by and I support Fritz & Franz. What is next, Carnival on the Mile? That event is 2 days every year with 3 live bands on Miracle Mile playing at the same times. Gimme a break!
It’s simple, limit the noise until 10PM weeknights, 11PM weekends and let the games begin! I live close by and I support Fritz & Franz. What is next, Carnival on the Mile? That event is 2 days every year with 3 live bands on Miracle Mile playing at the same times. Gimme a break!
Violating the noise ordinance is not an issue for the City (A) that has a live band perform at the end of Giralda (near Fritz & Franz) on the first Friday of every month from 7 pm to 11 pm at Giralda Live; (B) with multiple live music performances through 11 pm at Carnaval on the Mile on Saturday and Sunday that closes Miracle Mile and diverts traffic and parking; or (C) with John Martin’s for St. Patrick’s Day that also closes streets and diverts traffic and parking. As to noise, F&F is in the Coral Gables Central Business District (“CBD”) and the World Cup finals and semi-finals all start at 3 pm and will be finished by 5 pm! This event is one of the reasons people choose to live in the CBD. Watching the WC at F&F brings our community together and makes Coral Gables unique and world-class. Our community has been doing this at F&F for the past 32 years. The plaza beside F&F sits vacant except for these special events. I believe that Mayor Lago, Vice Mayor Anderson and Commissioner Lara’s treatment of this unique event will raise questions as to whether FIFA should relocate its headquarters currently located on Alhambra less than 1 mile away from F&F. Coral Gables Parks & Recreation just hired PSG to run its soccer program. Coral Gables is a soccer community! Mayor Lago – there is no need to make this a November campaign issue. Let’s keep this Coral Gables tradition!!!