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# Merendero de la Mari to Close After 31 Years
- URL: https://barna.news/merendero-de-la-mari-to-close-after-31/
- Published: 2026-09-29T13:28:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-29T13:29:13.000Z
- Description: The iconic Port Vell restaurant will shut on 2 October after failing to pay rent, with 25 staff facing unemployment.
- Author: Barna.News
- Tags: food-drink

## Historic Closure Due to Rent and Declining Trade

El Merendero de la Mari, a landmark restaurant in Barcelona's Port Vell, will close permanently on Friday 2 October after 31 years of operation. The closure follows an inability to meet rental payments, with the business now facing eviction. According to Crónica Global, the premises will be vacated unless a buyer steps in before the deadline.

## Staff Redundant, Company in Liquidation

All 25 employees are now set to lose their jobs, as operations have ceased entirely. The operating company, Medemari SL, has entered liquidation and reports debts of €2.6 million. The restaurant’s official website displays a stark black screen with white text reading "CLOSED".

## Five Generations of Family History Ends

The roots of El Merendero de la Mari trace back to 1927, when the founding family began selling food to beachgoers in Barceloneta from a small table. It evolved into L'Esport, one of the area’s first snack bars. After displacement during the Civil War, the family returned and established Can Costa. In 1988, Mari, the third generation, and her husband Cal Pinxo opened the first Merendero de la Mari at Sant Miquel beach. It relocated to Palau de Mar in 1994 following Olympic-related demolitions, where it remained for over three decades.

> The rent is sky-high and falling consumer spending has killed the business.

## Rising Costs and Empty Tables

A combination of soaring rental costs and reduced customer spending, driven by broader economic pressures, has made the business unsustainable. Despite brief boosts from media exposure, including an appearance on the TV programme *Joc de Cartes* and winning the betevé Gastronomy Award, revenue could not recover post-pandemic. Owner Rosa Maria Ribera told betevé they attempted negotiations with the landlord but were refused, and received no support from port authorities.

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Rosa Maria, aged 64, said she needs time to process the closure. There is no current plan to reopen elsewhere.

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*Reported by beteve.cat, cronicaglobal.cat, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, weareidentty.com, betevé.*