Fritz & Franz Bierhaus is once again in mayor’s crosshairs
Coral Gables wants the giant FIFA ball on a downtown street.
It wants the branding. It wants the prestige of serving as headquarters for the 2026 World Cup operations. It wants the photo ops, the international attention and all the economic sparkle that comes with being attached to the world’s biggest sporting event.
What it apparently does not want — at least not according to Mayor Vince Lago and his pocket votes on the commission — is the actual soccer fans.
Because while commissioners prepare Tuesday to authorize the temporary installation of the FIFA World Cup “Trionda” match ball display in Giralda Plaza — and the temporary encroachment of the public right of way — they may simultaneously still try to 
shrink, restrict or partially sideline the iconic World Cup watch parties outside Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, gatherings the restaurant has hosted for 24 years.
And maybe that contradiction explains why so many residents suspect this fight was never really about noise or event guidelines in the first place.
In Coral Gables, whenever something popular suddenly finds itself tangled in procedural objections, selective enforcement and shifting standards, people start asking the same question: Who is being punished this time? To critics of Lago’s administration, this latest World Cup drama has all the familiar hallmarks of City Hall retaliation disguised as governance.
After all, it wouldn’t be the first time Fritz and Franz found itself in the mayor’s crosshairs. In 2024, the mayor tried to terminate the lease over exaggerated maintenance issues that the restaurant owner, Harald Neuweg, said he could fix. The sentiment was that the city wanted to get out of the lease on the city-owned property so they could open it up to bids.
Read related: Fritz & Franz Bierhaus wins three-week reprieve from Coral Gables commission
After trying earlier this month to red-card the legendary Fritz and Franz World Cup watch parties into oblivion — or at least into a sad little corner of the knockout rounds — city leaders are now scrambling for a softer landing. But these are the same parties that diehard fans have been attending for decades. Perhaps Gables commissioners got blasted by residents, fútbol fans and anybody who understands that a host city for the FIFA World Cup probably shouldn’t behave like it’s terrified of a TV screen and some chanting.
The item comes back Tuesday, and suddenly there’s a “revised operational plan,” more meetings, more discussions, more “ways to alleviate concerns.” Funny how that happens after the public reaction went from confused to furious.
For those just tuning in, Fritz and Franz has hosted World Cup gatherings for 24 years — six tournaments — turning Bierhaus Plaza into one of South Florida’s most iconic soccer viewing scenes. Generations of fans from every corner of the globe have packed the plaza at all hours to scream at referees, wave flags and collectively lose their minds over penalty kicks.
You know, culture.
But last week, a majority of the commission — led by Lago and aided by his reliable dais sidekicks — suddenly developed a severe 
case of concern over noise, sanitation, crowd control and nearby residents who apparently just discovered they live in the city’s downtown.
The city insisted the issue was merely “procedural” because the event runs 33 days and falls outside the city’s four-day special event rules. Which is technically true.
But critics weren’t buying that this was just about paperwork. Not in Coral Gables. Not under Lago.
During last week’s Parks Advisory Board meeting, some members seemed openly skeptical of the commission’s handwringing.
Board member Maite Halley practically translated what many residents have been saying for days: People who move into downtown Coral Gables cannot suddenly pretend they bought a cabin in the Everglades.
“This is not what I would consider a residential neighborhood,” Halley said, rejecting the idea that occasional public events should now be treated like existential threats to civilization.
Former Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who is also on the board, compared the event to Carnaval on the Mile, which somehow survives annually without the collapse of society despite amplified music, crowds and street closures.
Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro said countered that the difference is duration — and that crowd noise is harder to control during emotional matches.
Read related: Political retaliation in Coral Gables as Mayor Vince Lago loses his cool again
Now comes the compromise proposal.
“We have downsized to 20 days for World Cup Public viewing events on the Plaza,” Bierhaus Neuweg posted on their Facebook page. “Now the city tells us Police fee has almost doubled [to] $100 per hour per Officer, four hours minimum even if it is only one game, and three officers and one Sergeant ($120) per game. And on top of it also, for the first time in 24 years, we need to have fire rescue present, $680 per game!
“So, with my math skills and I am old school, for 20 days it would run us into $ 70,000! I think the city is not giving up until I am 
gone,” Neuweg posted. “They tried two years ago and now they are trying this way! They killed the Bluesfest, Live Music on the Plaza and Oktoberfest! Now they are working on the Public viewing events for World Cup, Euro and Copa Events!”
Fritz and Franz could reportedly maintain infrastructure beginning June 19, for sales and promotion, but the officially sanctioned outdoor viewing parties would not start until July 3, conveniently wiping out most of the group stage — the very part of the tournament where immigrant communities rally around smaller national teams before many get eliminated. How generous.
This is the heart of the tournament, when Colombians gather to watch Colombia and Argentines pack bars for Argentina.
Read related: A parting gift as Miami mayor: Francis Suarez wants to give FIFA $7.5 million
FIFA itself has recognized the Bierhaus as a local venue.
“For a longtime popular viewing party in South Florida, head to Fritz & Franz Bierhaus (60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables), which has been the city’s favorite soccer bar for nearly 30 years. It features movie-theater-sized screens, long communal tables, massive steins of imported drafts and a room that fills elbow-to-elbow with South American expats, European transplants and Miami soccer-loving regulars.”
Of course, if enough residents speak up at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners may suddenly rediscover their love of international culture and community gathering. Political survival has a funny way of clarifying principles.
Especially since there’s suddenly an election this year.
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Coral Gables could cut FIFA World Cup watch parties at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus added by Ladra on
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” Let’s call this what is is: the Cuban mafia doing what mafias do. Shameful and disgraceful”
And that is the problem here because as far as politicians go we have a bad gene .
The gene stays dormant until we get into politics and then it mutates at an alarming rate
Sure we look / sound the same but we are not , as we now WANT to sell out to special interest / betray those who supported us , be above the law and throw tantrums if we do not get our way .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf1v5J8CwuI
[…] Read related: Coral Gables could cut FIFA World Cup watch parties at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus […]
Why does Lago need to meet with Fritz & Franz? Simple, because he wants to be in charge and wants his ring kissed. His ego is out of control. 86 Lago in November.
Let’s call this what is is: the Cuban mafia doing what mafias do. Shameful and disgraceful
It’s Thursday evening. Is the Mayor going to report the results of his required meeting with F&F Bierhaus owner today per his request for his missing May 19 Commission mtg? Was it in the Sunshine?
The City did a market rent analysis before renewing the F&F lease in 2024. F&F pays 133% of the monthly rent that SRA Martinez pays. And SRA Martinez’s initial lease term does not expire until 2037 – 8 years longer than F&F. SRA Martinez’s below-market rent continues for its two 5-year renewal periods in which renewal rent cannot be more than 108% of current below-market rent. The City had the right to renegotiate this below-market lease when SRA Martinez breached the lease by failing to timely open its restaurant creating prolonged dark space in this area. What did Mayor Lago (a self-proclaimed real estate expert) do? NOTHING! Mr. Santos’ false “subsidized lease” claim is based on the alternative universe that Lago and his voting pact (Anderson and Lara) push on residents. At the May 19 Commission meeting, Lago demands he needs to meet with the F&F owner before agreeing to vote on a special events permit. That was not a requirement at the May 5 Commission meeting. And when F&F’s attorney said that the meeting could happen today, Lago changes the demand to include more people in the meeting. This is “moving the goal post.” Anderson’s claim that F&F did not do its “homework” to obtain a Commission vote on issuing a permit highlights her short-term memory lapses. Lara then highlights his Sunshine law ignorance by claiming that the F&F owner can meet with Lago and obtain approval – you need a Commission vote and cannot have Commissioners meet outside of Sunshine law. This is why these 3 people need elections in November so they have a better chance of getting elected by uninformed voters! The quality of life in Coral Gables declines every day this pact continues to rule!
The ongoing actions surrounding Fritz & Franz Bierhaus are becoming increasingly difficult for residents to view as anything other than political retaliation masquerading as governance.
For decades, Fritz & Franz has been part of the fabric of Coral Gables. Its World Cup watch parties are not some newly created disruption; they are a longstanding community tradition recognized well beyond our city limits. Yet now, after years of successful operation, the restaurant suddenly finds itself subjected to excessive scrutiny, shifting standards, burdensome fees, and procedural obstacles that many residents reasonably perceive as selective enforcement.
What makes this especially concerning is the broader pattern that residents have witnessed under Mayor Vince Lago’s leadership. This appears less about public safety or operational concerns and more about a continued revenge tour against individuals, organizations, and businesses perceived to have opposed the mayor politically.
Residents have not forgotten that former commission candidate Tom Wells assisted Fritz & Franz through their dispute with the city and that the establishment was also the location of his election night watch party. Against that backdrop, the city’s aggressive posture raises serious questions about motive and intent. When government actions consistently target perceived political opponents, public trust erodes quickly.
Unfortunately, this pattern does not appear isolated. Many residents recall the situation involving Sports Bar 77, where the business reportedly sought assistance from Commissioner Melissa Castro rather than directly from Mayor Lago regarding city-related concerns. The perception throughout the community was that the mayor took personal offense to a business owner engaging with one of his political adversaries instead of him. Ultimately, Sports Bar 77 closed its doors, further reinforcing concerns among residents that businesses and organizations can face political consequences when they are viewed as insufficiently loyal to the administration.
Similarly, many in the community have observed what they believe to be retaliatory treatment directed toward the Coral Gables Youth Center and related organizations. Residents have pointed out that former Commissioner Kirk Menendez served on the organization’s board for years and was Mayor Lago’s opponent in the last mayoral election. To many observers, the organization’s placement in the political crosshairs appears less about policy disagreements and more about guilt by association with one of the mayor’s political challengers. The concern is no longer about one restaurant or one event. The concern is the increasing weaponization of municipal government against dissenting voices and perceived political adversaries.
Coral Gables should be extremely cautious about allowing politics to dictate enforcement decisions. Selective enforcement and retaliatory governance are corrosive to public confidence and damaging to the reputation of our city.
Even more troubling is the role of Commissioners Richard Lara and Rhonda Anderson, both attorneys and members of the Florida Bar, who continue to support these actions without meaningful scrutiny. Attorneys are held to a higher ethical and professional standard precisely because they understand the importance of fairness, due process, equal application of the law, and avoiding even the appearance of retaliatory government conduct. Blindly supporting politically motivated actions without independent judgment risks undermining public confidence not only in city government but also in the professional obligations attorneys swear to uphold.
At some point, residents must ask whether this style of governance reflects the values Coral Gables wants associated with its future. Increasingly, these tactics resemble the kind of retaliatory, personality-driven politics that many South Floridians have criticized elsewhere — a Joe Carollo-style approach to governing through intimidation, punishment, and selective enforcement.
Coral Gables deserves leadership focused on transparency, fairness, consistency, and community-building — not political score-settling. If residents are concerned about the direction of the city, then the answer ultimately lies at the ballot box. The community should begin seriously considering viable leadership alternatives capable of restoring professionalism, public trust, and restraint to City Hall.
Great coverage, Ladra, thanks! I agree with LiarLiar & CarlitosWay’s comments! And what a shame Lago the Loser chooses to punish Coral Gables local businesses & residents for the sake of his vendetta against Fritz & Franz! Fritz & Franz is perfect for FIFA!!
Shameful, shameful treatment of a wonderful establishment and excellent restauranteurs.
Disappointing that the early rounds of games won’t be able to be fully enjoyed at Fritz and Franz surrounded by other enthusiastic fans. It’s baffling that the 3 commissioners who have put up this roadblock, don’t want to encourage bringing more business to the central business district!
With the amount of empty storefronts on Miracle Mile, allowing the 6 weeks of games to be viewed at the plaza at Fritz and Franz, would bring lots of spill over business to other business owners in the area.
Short-sighted vengeance.
And the city loses.
As a big FIFA World Cup I am very happy that the Coral Gables rent subsidized Fritz & Franz restaurant will display the elimination and final stages of the cup. Also, as a Coral Gables resident, I am happy that the City does not need to spend money in the supporting safety infrastructure for qualification games, which draw a low turnaround.
Funny coming from a mayor that enjoys vip area at grove events but when it comes to the gables, not in his city…tremendo comunista! La hipocresía… Here’s a solution, someone get that clown a side gig somewhere in the Middle East that takes up most of his time, like that other masquerading impersonator.