The property experts of Greif & Contzen brokered a lease for “Dr. Smusy” to move into a space on Apostelnstrasse 44 that was formerly used by “Geflügel Brock”.

For 111 years, Apostelnstrasse 44 in Cologne was the go-to address for all venison and poultry connoisseurs. The specialist butcher’s shop “Geflügel Brock” was well-known beyond city limits, and so popular that long lines would form outside the shop before holidays. “Geflügel Brock” was a family-run business spanning four generations. Most recently, customers were greeted by Hans Georg and Karin Rochow from behind the marble counter and the historic cash register.
All of this came to an end in May 2017, when the owners of the long-established delicatessen shop failed to find a successor and were forced to close the business down.

The building, parts of which are subject to monument protection, stayed vacant for a long time, until Kölner Dom-Spekulatius set up a pop-up store in the premises in November 2020. After a few weeks, in which customers could buy spiced Spekulatius biscuits in attractive tins and boxes depicting Cologne Cathedral and Cologne’s mythical gnomes known as Heinzelmännchen on Apostelnstrasse 44, the shop was vacant once again.

Retail space on two floors and residential building with four apartments
However, this period was used for intensive discussion with the City of Cologne and the monument conservator in charge. A solution was eventually found, and it was agreed that the building could be converted subject to certain terms. Apostelnstrasse 44 has a new look now, with retail space on two floors and a residential part featuring four apartments. This required a high investment but allowed for the building’s personality to be preserved.

Smoothy shop to open in late April
The owners of the building, who are private individuals, relied on the property experts of Greif & Contzen for letting the available modernised retail space in this historic location. The new tenant found by Greif & Contzen, “Dr. Smusy”, will continue the long-standing local tradition of high-quality food retailing, offering smoothies made from locally sourced organic ingredients which can be enriched with added vitamins and minerals on request. The shop is due to open on 27 April.