When L’Osteria Pizza & Pasta opened its first restaurant at the Mallorca Fashion Outlet this September, the launch drew a full house of well-wishers and curious locals. The European brand, famous for its oversized pizzas and lively buzz, is already a familiar sight across Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and the UK. Now, thanks to franchise partner Jan Hausen, Mallorca has joined the map.
Hausen’s journey to hospitality began far from the Mediterranean. Born in 1974 in the German university town of Göttingen, he studied in Göttingen, Granada and Frankfurt/Main, with a formative year at high school in Canada. As a child he dreamt of becoming Director of Car Testing at Mercedes-Benz, but his parents — Ingrid, a physical education teacher, and Manfred Johannes, an economist — steered him toward values that proved even more enduring: love, equality, and the conviction that education, sport and communication matter. With one grandfather a priest and the other a school director, those principles shaped the way he sees the world.
Today, after a career in law and consulting, Hausen channels those early lessons into leadership. Perseverance, adaptability and empathy carried him through the 2008 financial crisis and the business shocks of Covid, and eventually toward fulfilling a long-held dream: opening a restaurant in the place he loves to cycle, relax and spend time with his family: Mallorca.
What’s the idea behind L’Osteria?
It’s about good-quality food and Italian elegance for everyone. At L’Osteria it doesn’t matter what you own or represent; it’s about enjoying well-made, basic Italian dishes together — with family, friends, or even on your own at the bar.
But you didn’t start out in the restaurant business…
I actually studied law but quickly moved into consulting, first with KPMG and PwC, and later running my own firm. Around 2006 I met the founders of L’Osteria and Carsten Goetze, the first general manager of Munich’s branch. Initially, I only wanted to invest in fixed assets so they could become my tenants. But they persuaded me to become a partner — and that’s how I entered hospitality.
Why open a restaurant in Mallorca?
It was a lifetime dream. We have a finca here, and I love cycling on the island. Mallorca needed a place like L’Osteria Pizza & Pasta, so the decision felt natural.
What do you enjoy most about the work?
The variety. My role takes me from analysing numbers and digitalisation projects to scouting new premises and, most importantly, building strong, diverse teams. It’s so rewarding to see people enjoying their time with us. And every day is different. I usually get up around 7:30, start with yoga and stretching, and then work on my MacBook with calls and emails. By late morning I’ll visit the restaurant to meet with the management and staff. In the afternoon I return to my home office, but often I’m back at L’Osteria in the evening until midnight. When things settle, I hope to make more time for cycling again.
Looking back, what have been the high and low points?
One early success was signing a deal with a major press company around 2006–07 to bring their newspapers to mobile phones. It was ahead of its time — today, 95% of media consumption is mobile. The toughest times came during crises. The financial crash of 2008–09 forced clients to slash budgets, even when our consulting work was solid. And during Covid, the German government promised aid that didn’t materialise, so I had to spend nearly all my liquidity to keep my company alive, with 400 employees depending on us. At the same time, schools were closed, digital education failed, and it was hard for families.
How did you cope, and what did you learn?
By focusing on what was possible and refusing to get stuck in victimhood. I embraced non-violent communication and tried to lead with more empathy. In the end, I became not only a better boss but also, I think, a better human being. The key lesson was clear: never rely on promises. Only we ourselves can make the difference.
What makes you proud today?
My children — and the people who make up the L’Osteria team.
What are your thoughts on the protests against mass tourism in Mallorca?
It’s a complex issue. Much of it stems from infrastructure built in the 1990s that hasn’t kept up with today’s demand. Protesting is legitimate, and housing and infrastructure clearly need major improvement. But scapegoating doesn’t help — it’s a form of violence. I prefer to ask all sides what their real goals are. If they want solutions, then let’s agree on the basics and move forward together.
Do you like to travel?
Very much. I’ve seen quite a few countries, but still want to visit Australia, Latin America, and some parts of Africa. I especially love South Africa.
What makes Mallorca special to you?
I don’t live here full-time yet – I live just outside Munich – though I may in the future. What I love is the diversity of the island — everything is here. And Palma is one of the most attractive cities in Europe.
What are your plans for this year?
Improving the quality and speed of L’Osteria Mallorca Fashion Outlet on a daily basis. Spending more time with my children, family and friends. And maybe starting negotiations for a second restaurant on the island, possibly in Palma.
And your bigger goals?
To be happy — and to be a good father, partner, boss, friend and companion.
How do you see Mallorca in 2040?
The island should hold on to its core values while modernising infrastructure, education and housing. It could become a landmark for innovative businesses linked to universities and incubators, while taking full advantage of renewable energy — waves, sun, soil. The challenge is to show that mass tourism, the environment and the local population can grow together, if we work on smart solutions as a team.
Photo: Hendrik Rasehorn for Braunschweiger Zeitung
