As of October 1st, Tolstoy became the newest member of the Austrian gastronomy family of Josef Donhauser.

Josef is the founder of the largest privately-owned restaurant and catering company in Austria (DoN Group). Although the DoN group is somewhat larger than us 😊, we feel a close alignment with their family-owned culture and startup mentality.

Who is Josef Donhauser? About 30 years ago, Josef opened his first bar called “MAMAS” in Kirchberg am Wechsel in Lower Austria, roughly an hour south of Vienna. His parents also owned a small pastry shop there. That’s where Josef began his journey in the culinary industry.

After tirelessly working night shifts in both his bar and the pastry shop, Josef decided to take an endearing step to build a big company. Fast forward to today, he and his team operate restaurants, cafes, bars, airport lounges, and provide catering services for countless events all across Austria.

You probably have encountered the DoN brand before. While on Austrian trains, you may come across the DoN team serving delicious meals. You probably know the DoN’s emerging brand Fat Monk Deli Bowls, as well as VAPIANO Austria. Both concepts offer a menu with over 50% plant-based options.

Josef and his team are extremely passionate about our concept, our great recipes, and the spirit of TOLSTOY, and share our vision for growth.

We are very very happy to work together with Josef and his team, so that we have a real chance to build the vegan future together.

Here you find more about the DoN group.