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Sebastian Frank, visionary chef at the helm of the famous two-star restaurant Horváth from Berlin, recently made a bold and decidedly innovative move: it introduced Bitcoin as a payment method within its premises. A decision that is not limited to a technological experiment, but which embodies a true philosophy of life, based on freedom and personal responsibility. For Frank, Bitcoin represents freedom from the economic slavery and frenetic pace that often characterizes modern life, a step towards greater autonomy both for him – as a creative – and for his business.
Addressing the topic in an interview with eattravel.de, Frank explained that for him Bitcoin is much more than just a currency: is a tool that allows you to reclaim time and space, which are fundamental for creativity. In an increasingly chaotic society racing against time, the ability to operate without the pressure of economic worries becomes essential for artistic expression, and the concept of “freedom” finds a concrete manifestation in this new way of managing payments. According to him, true freedom is first of all a mental question, a concept that finds full expression in a decentralized monetary system like Bitcoin.
Implementing Bitcoin in a fine dining setting was not without its challenges, but Frank proved confident and prepared.. Thanks to the collaboration with the payment service Lipathe introduction of this new technology has proven to be easier than expected. Although still in its early stages, Feedback from customers has been encouraging, with many curious to try out this innovative form of payment. “The attention we are getting thanks to this strategy, initially, cost us nothing. During the pandemic we also thought about how reach those social strata that had not yet had any contact with haute cuisine (for obvious economic reasons). The marketing effect of Bitcoin should definitely be seen as an opportunity.”
Despite the novelty that Bitcoin brings to the world of catering, Frank never forgets the roots of his cuisine, based on a strong tradition of quality and rigor. For him, in fact, there is a clear parallel between his culinary philosophy and the use of cryptocurrencies. As in his cuisine, which is distinguished by its attention to the essentials and the thrifty and careful use of ingredients, Bitcoin is also, in his opinion, the embodiment of a simpler and more minimalist life. By eliminating the superfluous, both in his dishes and in his daily life, Frank is able to focus on what really matters, and Bitcoin thus becomes a tool in tune with his approach.
Bitcoin’s potential goes beyond simple payment. Frank envisions a future where the cryptocurrency could also be used to incentivize employees, improving staff management and taking the restaurant’s financial sustainability to an even higher level. However, for now, it’s a pipe dream: Bitcoin, while spreading like wildfire, is not yet sufficiently mainstream to realize this vision.
