Student Prince Cafe and The Fort

The Student Prince has been a beloved Springfield landmark since 1935, starting as a modest bar with booth seating and just 20 beer steins adorning the walls. By 1946, a dining room was added, and in 1949, Rupprecht Scherff joined the restaurant, eventually taking ownership in 1961. Rupprecht became the heart and soul of the Student Prince until his passing in 1996, during which time the establishment flourished and earned its reputation as a local institution, boasting one of the largest beer stein collections in the United States. The Scherff family continued to operate the restaurant until 2014.

Over the years, the Student Prince has held different meanings for many people. It has been a hub for business and politics, a venue for power lunches, fundraisers, and deal-making. For countless families, it symbolizes cherished traditions tied to Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and other special occasions. Regardless of their history with the restaurant, the Student Prince occupies a special place in the hearts of its patrons.

In 2014, when Rudi Scherff announced the closure of this legendary restaurant, a group of local business owners, led by Peter Picknelly, stepped in to save it. With the blessing of the Scherff family, they made thoughtful upgrades while honoring its proud legacy. Our goal is to continue the tradition of the Student Prince for generations to come, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

Auf Wiedersehn,
The Picknelly, Yee, and Vann families