Zlatko Dalić, coach of the Croatian national football team, has created a unique space in Varaždin that combines gastronomy, football memories and personal values that he often highlights.
After the historic successes with Vatreni, Dalić devoted himself to an entrepreneurial story in the heart of Varaždin.
He opened a restaurant in Braće Radić Street “The Family”which is not only a catering facility, but also a space dedicated to Croatian football, the national team and memories from his career.
The restaurant was opened in September 2023, it covers 700 square meters through three floors and has a capacity of 220 seats.
Dalić designed it as a place that connects sports, family, togetherness and gastronomy.
Space dedicated to Firemen
What a restaurant “The Family” what makes it special is its connection with the Croatian national football team.
The walls and areas of the restaurant are decorated as a kind of museum of Croatian footballwith numerous memories, jerseys, photos and accolades.
At the entrance, the three most important medals of Dalić’s electoral era are displayed: silver and bronze from the world championships and silver from the League of Nations.
Among the jerseys on display are the names of great Croatian football players, including Luka Modric, Josko Guardiol and Dejan Lovren.
A special place is also occupied by the jerseys of the captain and goalkeeper of the national team, as well as the jersey from the first historic match of the Croatian national team against the United States of America.
A place with a personal touch
Dalić wanted to create a space that, according to his idea, does not exist anywhere else in Croatia.
The restaurant not only tells a sports story, but also bears the strong personal stamp of the coach who led Croatia to three major football medals.
In the lower part of the restaurant there is also altar with a statue of Our Ladysurrounded by rosaries and religious symbols that Dalić received as gifts during his electoral career.
That part of the space testifies to the importance of faith in his life and career.
In addition, books dedicated to him by fans and associations, monographs about the Tigers and his native Livno, as well as photos from big celebrations and receptions for Croatian football players are on display.
A gastronomic story with a local signature
Restaurant “The Family” it is also designed as a place for food lovers.
The menu is based on the offer of the so-called comfort foodwith an emphasis on Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta, but with a recognizable Croatian signature.
The management of the kitchen is entrusted to the chef Damir Crlenthe president of the Croatian Chefs Association.
Special attention is paid to cooperation with domestic producers, so the restaurant cooperates with more than 150 OPGs throughout Croatia.
The offer also includes “Slavonic carbonara” with bacon from a black Slavonian pig, a breed bred in Slavonia by the national team player Domagoj Vida.
Dalić has not forgotten his roots either, so guests can also taste products from the Livno region, such as Puđina cheese and Mrki prosciutto.
Also opened The Family shop
Dalić’s entrepreneurial involvement did not stop only at the restaurant.
Almost two years later, he also opened a shop on Franciscan Square in Varaždin “The Family shop”.
The shop is located about two hundred meters from the restaurant and additionally completes his Varaždin business story.
The offer includes souvenirs and products related to the brand of the national team and the restaurant, including jerseys, balls, caps, pendants and books.
Visitors can also find branded liqueur teranino, more than 150 types of wine and the products of domestic OPGs.
With this, Dalić expanded his story beyond catering, in the direction of trade, tourism and the promotion of domestic products, he reports Poslovni.hr.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: Goran Stanzl/Pixsell)
