Her departure also includes the end of her management role at the central Munich restaurant Zum Spöckmeier, near Marienplatz, which she will hand over next month.
Long-Anticipated Exit from Oktoberfest Business
Schörghuber’s decision to withdraw from the Oktoberfest has surprised some, though not all, within the festival community. Peter Inselkammer, spokesperson for the Wiesn innkeepers and operator of the Armbrustschützen tent, said he learned of her resignation while in conversation with fellow tent manager Silja Steinberg: “We only heard about it through the media,” he recalled. Still, he admitted that there had been previous indications that such a move was imminent, though he declined to elaborate.
Succession Plans for the Paulaner Tent Still Unclear
In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Schörghuber explained her decision: “It’s not easy for me because I truly care about the Wiesn. But I’ve always said that I want to do other things when I turn 60.” She is set to turn 59 in just a few days. Family reasons also played a role in her decision. Her children, Ramona and Alexander, who have supported operations at both Spöckmeier and the Paulaner tent, now plan to pursue other interests.
At this time, it remains unclear who will take over leadership of the Paulaner Festhalle, which seats 8,365 guests and is the second-largest tent on the festival grounds. Paulaner Brewery has yet to comment publicly on potential successors. However, Inselkammer expects a lively debate around the upcoming vacancy: “Names will start circulating soon,” he said, noting that even candidates not currently in the public eye could be considered. He emphasized that extensive experience is vital for managing a tent of this scale.
Former Brewery Executive Not a Candidate
Amid the speculation, one name has already been ruled out. Former Paulaner executive Andreas Steinfatt, who left the company in 2024, has firmly denied any interest in returning in a new role: “It’s definitely not me,” he told the press when asked about the rumors.
Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Schörghuber began her Oktoberfest career in 2004, initially running the Paulaner tent alongside her then-husband, Peter Pongratz. Following their separation in 2018, she continued to lead the tent independently. Under her guidance, the venue became one of the most prominent and professionally managed locations at the festival.
In her statement to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Schörghuber mentioned that she had already received several compelling proposals for the tent’s future: “Many knew I planned to retire at 60, and some interesting offers with strong perspectives have come in.” Historically, Paulaner Brewery has preferred to award the Oktoberfest tent rights in conjunction with management of the Spöckmeier restaurant. While the official successor must be approved by the City of Munich, the practical decision rests with the brewery, which holds the authority to select its tent operator.
With her departure, Oktoberfest bids farewell to one of its most influential and enduring figures — a leader who helped shape the Paulaner tent into a cornerstone of Bavarian festival culture.
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