The famous Copenhagen burger bar Gasoline Grill will close its original restaurant at Landgreven 10, after the municipality confirmed plans to demolish the site for a major renovation project.
The closure marks the end of an era for a venue that has become a local and international culinary landmark.
From gas station to world-class burgers
Gasoline Grill opened in 2016 inside a former gas station in central Copenhagen. Founded by Klaus Wittrup, the restaurant quickly gained recognition and was named in 2017 by Bloomberg as serving one of the world’s best burgers.
The location’s unique setting, complete with its green neon sign and preserved service station architecture, helped turn it into an iconic food destination.
Over the years, Landgreven became not just a restaurant but a symbol of Copenhagen’s creative urban culture. Customers included locals, tourists, and even newlyweds, with some couples choosing the site for their first meal after their wedding.
Demolition tied to parking facility renovation
The Copenhagen Municipality (Københavns Kommune) has allocated more than 115 million euros for the renovation of the underground Landgreven parking facility, which will require the demolition of the gas station and the restaurant above it. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Although the building was initially listed under the city’s “Byens Sjæl” campaign, which highlights culturally significant sites, it was later removed, eliminating its protection from demolition. Wittrup described the news as “a great surprise and a shock,” stressing the location’s importance for the brand’s identity.
Debate over cultural preservation
Local politicians have expressed concern over losing a venue that has become part of Copenhagen’s cultural landscape. Louise Theilade (Venstre), a member of the city council, said it would be “very unfortunate” if the restaurant could not return after the renovation.
Discussions are ongoing about whether the site could host “public-oriented services” in the future, though any new leases would be subject to a public tender process. This means Gasoline Grill has no guarantee of returning.
Gasoline Grill’s future beyond Landgreven
Despite the closure, Gasoline Grill’s broader future remains solid. The chain has expanded to nine other locations across Greater Copenhagen, ensuring continued access for its customers. Still, Wittrup underlined that the original Landgreven site was the foundation of the brand and held deep symbolic value.
Balancing urban renewal and identity in Copenhagen
The closure raises broader questions about how Copenhagen balances urban development with the preservation of cultural landmarks. For many, Gasoline Grill at Landgreven represented the city’s mix of tradition and innovation.
Whether the burger bar will return to the site after redevelopment remains uncertain, but its role in shaping the city’s gastronomic identity is already secure.
