The "Piaristenkeller" is run as a family business and will most certainly be passed down to future generations since the son of the proprietor, Mag. Harald Emberger, has already followed in the tradition laden footsteps of his father with enthusiasm and commitment under the motto "the young generation cultivates the old tradition".

So the historic "Piaristenkeller" restaurant which was originally founded as a monastery wine tavern with the name "Österreichische Stiftskellerei" (Austrian Collegiate Wine Cellars) has survived until today as a popular event restaurant with an impressive ambience and the cosy Viennese atmosphere as well as the traditional zither music..

Komm.-Rat Erich Emberger laid the foundation stone of the modern event restaurant and completely refurbished the Imperial and Royal Piaristenkeller Restaurant (K.u.K. Restaurant Piaristenkeller).

He was a folklorist and designer who devoted himself to the Austrian national costume sector and the preservation of traditions from 1972 onwards. His expert knowledge enabled him to have an extraordinary influence on the "Austrian Look" in traditional dress and to also contribute to the reputation of this fashion from Austria at an international level.

His study of the Austrian national costume and hunting outfits established points of contact to the Austrian Imperial Dynasty and gave Komm.-Rat Erich Emberger the idea of acquiring the then outdated Piaristenkeller in the Josefstadt in 1982 and of restoring it with loving care to an historic restaurant with the aid of his folkloristic collection as well as his imperial hat and wine collection, and to fit it out as a restaurant for functions, especially for large receptions and events.

Komm.-Rat Erich Emberger was successful in his attempts to get the Piarist Monastery and renowned performers to give concerts in the baroque basilica as a special attraction. As a result, he gave enjoyment to delegations from all over the world by performing classical music of great Austrians to get the event off to a good start. With this unique combination of culture and hospitality he has created a gem which cuts across the national boundaries of our times and, in particular, gives us an idea about the historic connections of the countries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

As a result, Komm.-Rat Erich Emberger was able to render a great service to his country by arranging receptions for VIPs from politics and trade and industry involved in EU enlargement, and has already filled the more than 1/2 million guests, from delegations attending international conferences and congresses from more than 79 countries, with enthusiasm for Austria within the settings he has personally designed for functions.

On 19 November 2002 he was awarded the Golden Distinguished Service Medal of the Republic for his services to trade and industry and for the preservation and cultivation of the cultural wealth of Vienna and Austria as well as for his Austrian hospitality.