The famous Tähtihovi service station on Highway 4 near Heinola has removed its closure announcement from social media. The decision came after staff received a flood of toxic comments about the business closure.
The station manager explained the situation in a recent Facebook update. She said the post was removed to protect employees from abusive messages. Many comments apparently targeted previous owners and staff members.
Tähtihovi originally announced it would close its doors permanently on Tuesday, November 18 at 9:15 PM. The station became famous for its glass-covered pedestrian bridge spanning Highway 4.
The removal of the closure post does not mean the station is staying open. Management confirmed the closure is proceeding as planned. The decision to remove the announcement was purely about protecting staff from online abuse.
Our social media is managed by our wonderful staff, the station manager wrote. They shouldn't have to read the nasty comments that came with the publication. She noted that all employees are losing their jobs regardless.
The manager expressed concern about young workers at the start of their careers. She doesn't want their final workplace memories to be dominated by toxic online comments about the closure.
Tähtihovi's situation reflects broader challenges facing Finnish roadside businesses. Many service stations along Highway 4 have struggled with changing travel patterns and economic pressures. The station originally opened in 1993 alongside the Tähtiniemi bridge at the northern end of the structure.
The business filed for bankruptcy in late January. Reports in April suggested new owners might revive the operation with different restaurant concepts. Now those hopes appear dashed as the closure becomes permanent.
Roadside service stations face particular challenges in Finland's sparsely populated regions. They serve as crucial rest stops for long-distance travelers while operating with thin margins. The loss of Tähtihovi removes an important amenity for drivers traveling between Helsinki and eastern Finland.
The station's iconic pedestrian bridge offered unique views of passing traffic below. It became a minor tourist attraction in its own right alongside its practical function as a service station.
Attempts to reach the current entrepreneur, Rawaz Khorshid, for comment were unsuccessful. He declined to discuss Tähtihovi's current situation when contacted by media.
The closure affects not just travelers but the local economy in Heinola. Service stations like Tähtihovi provide employment in regions where job opportunities can be limited. Their disappearance creates ripple effects throughout rural communities.
Clearance sales have already begun at the station as it prepares to shut down permanently. The timeline suggests operations will wind down completely within days rather than weeks.
This situation highlights the human impact behind business closures. While economic factors drive these decisions, the emotional toll on workers often goes unmentioned. The manager's actions show genuine concern for her team's wellbeing during a difficult transition.