La Pastisseria Ideal, at number 207 Gran de Gràcia, will close its doors on May 31 if a last-minute transfer does not go through. The closure is due to the retirement of Miquel Àngel Álvarez and because his brother Lluís Álvarez will not continue to run the business alone.
The paradox in the final stretch of the bakery is that the business is now experiencing a surge in customers due to the fear of losing it. The shop, open since 1919 and recognized in 2018 with second place in the competition for the best xuixo in the world, faces closure when it once again concentrates queues on weekends.
The family hopes another pastry chef will take over the business before May 31
Miquel Àngel Álvarez, co-owner of the establishment, explained that the continuity depends on a response that has not yet arrived. The option they hope for corresponds to a person from the trade, a profile that the family considers key to maintaining activity in the Vila de Gràcia neighborhood.
"We are waiting to see if the person we would like, who is also a pastry chef, responds. We hope the business continues, because if not, it will be a setback for the neighborhood" - Miquel Àngel Álvarez, co-owner, Pastisseria Ideal
The decision to set a closing date is also due to the co-owner's retirement. Álvarez, 67, admits that the calendar was set to avoid prolonging a phase that, without a fixed date, would have remained open.
"I've already turned 67 and it's time. And we decided to set a date because otherwise I'll never leave" - Miquel Àngel Álvarez, co-owner, Pastisseria Ideal
The business also has a recent precedent. In 2022, a fire in the premises almost led to its closure, although at the time the neighborhood's response helped to sustain the activity, and that support is still maintained.
Weekend queues reflect fear of another commercial loss on Gran de Gràcia
Now that support is also evident in the store. Dídac Giménez, a regular customer, describes an increase in attendance that he directly links to the neighbors' fear of another historic business disappearing from the area.
"On weekends there are queues, and that had never happened before. That shows you that people are afraid of a pastry shop like this disappearing" - Dídac Giménez, regular customer, Pastisseria Ideal
Giménez places his relationship with the establishment on a daily basis. He explains that they regularly buy cakes and xuixos there at home and summarizes the possible farewell as a close loss for part of the neighborhood.
The closure of Pastisseria Ideal would be added to other recent disappearances on this stretch of Gràcia. In recent times, businesses such as Forn Santa Clara, Ferreteria Camps, Merceria Tarragona, and Forn Ideal have ceased to operate.
The public farewell is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, when the pastry shop will hold a street party with music, gifts, and snacks.