Building Community in Linz, One Experience at a Time

Some of the best hospitality stories begin with an idea that seems impossible.

For the founders of Good Karma Gastrofamilie in Linz, Austria, that idea was creating a beach club in a city without a beach.

Many people doubted the concept of Sandburg. Early feedback was overwhelmingly sceptical. Yet the team refused to give up. They continued refining their vision, submitting new proposals and believing that Linz could embrace a new kind of social destination.

More than a decade later, they have proven that belief can transform a city.

Today, Good Karma’s venues have become integral parts of Linz’s social fabric. Their spaces attract people looking to connect, unwind, and enjoy authentic experiences. Through initiatives such as weekly salsa nights, they have built communities that extend far beyond the city itself, welcoming visitors from across Austria.

Their newest venue, Under The Bridge, demonstrates the same entrepreneurial spirit. Located beneath one of Linz’s most recognisable structures, the concept brings together three pillars: culture, sport and hospitality. Designed as an open and welcoming space, it reflects the character of the city while creating new opportunities for people to gather.

For the founders, hospitality has always been about much more than food and drinks. It is about shaping places where people can enjoy life, connect with others and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

That belief aligns closely with the spirit of Praise the Bar, a series dedicated to celebrating the people and venues that make hospitality such an important part of communities around the world.

As long-standing partners, HEINEKEN and Linzer Bier have proudly supported this journey, helping create memorable experiences rooted in local pride and genuine human connection.

Click here to watch Episode 6 of Praise the Bar and discover how determination, creativity, and hospitality are helping shape the future of Linz, one experience at a time.

About HEINEKEN

HEINEKEN is the world’s pioneering beer company. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium and non-alcoholic beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 340 international, regional, local, and specialty beers and ciders. With HEINEKEN’s over 87,000 employees, we brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world. Our dream is to shape the future of beer and beyond to win the hearts of consumers. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution, and focused cost management. Through “Brew a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We operate breweries, malteries, cider plants, and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. The most recent information is available on our Company’s website; follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.