Co-founder of L'Osteria and Vapiano dies in Mallorca rally crash

Klaus Rader, aged 63 and known for co-founding the casual-dining chains L'Osteria and Vapiano, lost his life during the 550 Challenge Mallorca rally on a mountain stretch between Pollença and Lluc. According to reports, his car left the road and fell into a ravine, killing him instantly, while his 39-year-old co-pilot Christina Ettel incurred spinal-cord injuries. The Guardia Civil confirmed the fatality, and a business partner corroborated the incident.

Organisers immediately cancelled the rally, emphasizing respect and solidarity over competition. Rader, who remained a minority shareholder after L'Osteria’s 2023 sale, leaves behind his wife and four children. He had previously partnered with Friedemann Findeis to start L'Osteria in 1999 and was also among Vapiano’s founders in 2002.