The story of
Benton & Horris
From Rotorua to Germany
Joe Horvath was a legend in Rotorua, New Zealand. In his “Joe’s Diner”, he served legendary burgers and brought generations of guests together. For his life’s work, Joe was honored in 2014 with the Icon Award by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand – an honor that recognized his extraordinary passion for gastronomy.
In 2000, 17-year-old Andreas Horvath traveled from Germany to New Zealand to visit his great-uncle Joe and his partner Yvonne. Andreas was fascinated by the warm atmosphere and the breathtaking nature of New Zealand, but it was the cuisine that inspired him the most.
Joe and Yvonne introduced Andreas to the world of New Zealand pies – a dish that was more than just food to them. With patience and dedication, they taught him how to create the perfect dough and fillings that tell stories. Andreas, who also spent a lot of time in Joe’s Diner, felt inspired. This is where the idea was born to bring the tradition of pies to Germany.
A dream comes true
Many years later, Andreas Horvath made his dream a reality: he founded Benton and Horris. With an ultra-thin spelt dough and a wide range of creative and traditional fillings, he created pies perfectly tailored to the German taste.
Andreas not only keeps the family tradition alive, but also brings a piece of New Zealand lifestyle to Germany – a legacy shaped by Joe Horvath and Yvonne.
A legacy that connects
Through Benton and Horris, the memory of Joe Horvath lives on. The passion that Joe and Yvonne once ignited in Rotorua can be found today in every pie. And as Joe once said:
“A good pie brings people together.”
