Since 2022, Raphael Leutenegger and Manuel Kaufmann have been creating temporary gastronomy concepts in Lucerne under the name "Sportklub". The main reason behind this is the desire to develop different concepts independently of a fixed operation and to be able to experiment with new ideas. With "Werkstatt Augustin" they have found their home base, where they host pop-ups such as "Smaaash!", "Viêt Pop" and "Bistrot Éphémère" several times a year.
Raphael Leutenegger and Manuel Kaufmann came up with the idea for "Sportklub" with their first joint project, Pizzeria Da Marcello, which they opened in 2018 together with former business partners in the "Teiggi" area in Kriens. Even then, it was clear that Leutenegger and Kaufmann define gastronomy not only through food but also through a distinct design language. During the renovation of the pizzeria, it became clear how well they complement each other: "Together, we have everything it takes to turn a shell of a building into a functioning restaurant", says Leutenegger.
Kaufmann is well established in Lucerne's gastronomy scene. After completing his apprenticeship as a chef and hotel management school, he worked at places such as Drei Könige, Parterre and Nordpol, helping shape the local gastronomy scene for over a decade. Leutenegger, on the other hand, comes from a design background and, as a structural draughtsman and designer, has an eye for spaces, materiality and staging.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they came up with the idea of temporarily using vacant stores for gastronomic purposes. However, legal hurdles initially prevented this. Instead, the focus shifted to "Werkstatt Augustin", an event location that had previously been used on a small scale for private functions. When the building suddenly came up for sale, Leutenegger and Kaufmann seized the opportunity and decided to buy the entire house. "Although we didn't have the money at the time, I was convinced that we would somehow manage it," recalls Leutenegger.
Gradually, the former metal workshop was equipped with the necessary infrastructure, including a kitchen, ventilation and sanitary facilities. Today, space accommodates up to 100 people and is used for corporate events, private parties and the hotel's own pop-ups such as "Smaaash!", "Viêt Pop" and "Bistrot Éphémère". A microbrewery has been installed in the garage in the basement.
In May 2024, Leutenegger and Kaufmann opened their first pop-up. "Smaaash!" was featured on the posters, showing figures like Muhammad Ali or LL Cool J. At its core is the classic Smashburger, reduced to the essentials. Not an overloaded trend burger, but a double cheeseburger aiming to come as as close as possible to the American original. Leutenegger and Kaufmann even imported the buns and mustard directly from the USA.
The potato bun is toasted with butter on the griddle and paired with a perfectly fried pasture-farm patty from Ballwil, along with cheese, ketchup, American mustard, finely sliced raw onions and homemade pickles. Drinks include Coca-Cola and Budweiser from the can. "It's easy to get 200 burgers over the counter in one evening," says Kaufmann. The pop-up is now taking place for the third time from May 13 to 23, 2026.
Another success story is "Viêt Pop", now entering its third round. Leutenegger came up with the idea during a trip to Vietnam, where he developed a fascination for street food. He was particularly fascinated by the depth of the aromas, the variety of herbs and the aesthetics. He decided to fill an entire shipping container with furnishings. Over three weeks, he searched markets for suitable items such as plastic stools and tables, crockery, small gas stoves, fans and a mobile street food cart, which were then shipped from Saigon via Rotterdam to Lucerne.
The former metal workshop is transformed into a lively Vietnamese street food pop-up. Guests sit on low plastic stools from Saigon, cook pho on gas stoves and drink beer from plastic buckets filled with ice. It's tight, loud and deliberately chaotic – just like street food stalls in Saigon. "We want our guests to feel like they're on vacation and fully immerse themselves in the world of Vietnamese street food culture," says Leutenegger.
"Bistrot Éphémère" is the newest pop-up concept by Leutenegger and Kaufmann and will take place for the first time from March 20 to 28, 2026. It deliberately contrasts their previous projects, which were often loud, colorful and fast-paced. The name "Éphémère" means "ephemeral" and represents a concept that celebrates slowness. The workshop is polished, set in white tablecloths and decorated with silver candle holdeers. "I'm already looking forward to lighting all one hundred candles," says Leutenegger. Here, too, everything has been thought through down to the last detail, even the plates have been specially produced and engraved with the bistro's name.
In culinary terms, the pop-up is inspired by French bistro cuisine, a style of cooking that Kaufmann has enjoyed since his apprenticeship as a chef. Simple but precisely crafted dishes are served, such as Œuf mayonnaise, pâté de campagne with cornichons or whitefish with beans and beurre blanc. The wine list also focuses on France: Champagne, Crémant, Bordeaux and selected natural wines. There is deliberately only one "seating" per evening: "The guests should have time to eat in peace and quiet and linger over red wine and good conversations," says Leutenegger.
Leutenegger and Kaufmann show how pop-ups can also be established as recurring formats. Their success lies in the creative language with which they stage the room and closely coordinate food, furnishings and atmosphere.
Le Bistrot Éphémère
March 20 to 28, 2026
bistrot-ephemere.ch
Smaaash!
May 13 to 23, 2026
smaaash.ch
Viêt Pop
August 20 to September 5, 2026
vietpop.ch
Address:
Augustin workshop
Baselstrasse 52
6003 Lucerne
