Svante Holmberg, a 19-year-old recent graduate, has taken over the iconic Olles korvbar in Karlskrona. With a passion for work and tradition, Svante aims to continue the legacy of the hot dog stand for another 80 years. Despite his young age, he has convinced the previous owners with his energy and commitment to maintain the traditional menu and service.
19-Year-Old Svante's Bold Move: Taking Over Iconic Hot Dog Stand
19-Year-Old Svante's Bold Move: Taking Over Iconic Hot Dog Stand
Svante Holmberg, 19, has taken over the classic Olles korvbar in Karlskrona. With energy and tradition, he aims to continue the hot dog stand for at least another 80 years.
From a construction program straight to the grill in the hot dog stand.
It might sound unusual, but for Svante Holmberg, 19, it was a natural choice.
Like many others in Karlskrona, he grew up with Olles korvbar, which has been around for 80 years.
"I've always been here with my grandfather and the whole family since I was little," says the 19-year-old who graduated just this summer.
But school was never a favorite, and further studies were not an option.
"I love to work," says Svante.
So instead of waiting for university acceptance letters, he went and bought a hot dog stand.
"It's service, a lot of work, and it's food. So it became obvious," says Svante.
"You have to dare to take a chance."
The Menu
It is Olles' son, Stephan "Korven" Gustafsson, and his wife Pia Åkerman who have run the hot dog stand for the past decades. And a 19-year-old taking over the family business was not quite what they envisioned. But Svante convinced them with his energy and desire to continue the place in the same traditional spirit.
"The menu will remain the same. Most of it is sausage," says Svante, who is now known as "Prinskorven" in town.
"Stephan is 'Korven'. And there can only be one. So I have to be 'Prinskorven'," he explains. But no, there will be no name change for the hot dog stand.
The lunch rush is just over for the day, and keeping track of all the orders when many come at once is one of the big challenges.
"Many think it's just frying a sausage and that's it. But it's harder than that."
Menu Favorite
And Pia Åkerman remains in the background to support for a while longer. But it's not 14-16 hours a day, seven days a week, as before.
"There's so much to learn. And someday he might need a little time off. Then I'm here," she says.
Guests have welcomed Svante with cheers and think it's fun that someone so young has taken over and dares to take a chance. Perhaps his young age can also attract new, younger visitors. And the goal for the new owner moving forward is clear.
"The place has been around for 80 years, and now it should be around for another 80 years," says Svante.
"Prinskorven's" favorite on the menu?
"A thick grilled sausage with sweet mustard and ketchup. And a Pucko."