Fremont’s German deli, Munchner Haus, is closing after 30-plus years

The long-established Munchner Haus Delicatessen in Fremont, aka Rita’s German Deli, is reportedly closing by the end of this year. For more than three decades, the deli has been known for its Reubens on dark rye, potato salad, red cabbage, imported beer and other German specialties.

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The number at Rita’s, located at 39212 Fremont Blvd., is disconnected and the owner could not be reached. People on the Fremont Reddit are already lamenting the impending closure, which several people have said will be by the end of this year.

“There’s a sign by their door saying that they are closing and selling everything including fixtures, etc. I’m trying to find a time to get a sandwich before it happens,” wrote one Redditor.

“I saw the sign in the store and chatted with the owner. It is sad that this Fremont institution – under this ownership for 38 years – is closing at year-end 2023,” said another customer on Yelp. “Neighborhood and specialty delis come and go, but Munchner Haus has been a draw from near and far. Times change but losing this one hurts. Congrats to the owner for her coming freedom, retirement or whatever is next. Munchner Haus, rest in feast.”

Regular customer Franz Bruckner emailed to express his thoughts about Rita’s closing.

“It is another gem that has been around since the early ’70s,” Bruckner said. “Walking in there is like walking into a European cafe. Rita’s handmade sandwiches, German potato salad and other favorites are second to none…. Anyway, it’s one last gem that the community appreciated and will be very sad to see go.”

The website for the deli notes that for “more than 30 years, Fremont’s Münchner Haus (House of Munich) has provided San Francisco East Bay residents with fine, authentic German foods.” It’s unclear what business will move in when Rita’s shuts its doors for good.