For 16 years, Günther and Irene Krause owned and operated the original “Zur Kate” in Hamburg Germany. Günther was a “Metzgermeister” (Master Butcher) and Irene was tutored by the famous Herr Keimer to develop her culinary skills. In the fall of 1983, the Krauses re-located to Mesa (for it’s “wunderbar” weather) and opened “Zur Kate German Restaurant”.

Horst Schlembach was born in Großwenkheim (close to Bad Kissingen) in the Bavaria District of Germany. When he was 23, he used his last few “D-marks” (Deutsche marks) to relocate to Arizona (he wanted to be a cowboy). He joined the Krause’s at “Zur Kate” shortly after they opened. After 23 years of working with Günther & Irene, Horst became the new owners of “Zur Kate” (still in the same location).

Zur Kate translated means “to the old smokehouse” and to this day Zur Kate still attempts to recreate the “Gästehaus” atmosphere of “gemutlichkeit” (cordiality & friendliness). Here we treat everyone as a friend when they come through the door.