Barcelona bar owner José Antonio Santamaría has revealed the staggering startup costs facing small business owners in the city, with initial investments reaching up to €60,000.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
The independent business owner, who runs Bar Tostanova in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, shared his experience of operating alone for over two decades in a recent interview.
Barcelona bar owner faces financial reality
José Antonio’s journey began when he spotted an opportunity during a period of limited employment.
“There was a lack of work, I saw an opportunity, I had some money and I invested it,” he explained about his beginnings. The initial investment included €30,000 for the business transfer alone, with additional costs for licenses and municipal fees pushing the total to between €50,000 and €60,000.
Furthermore, the Barcelona bar owner operates without partners or employees, meaning his business completely depends on his daily presence. “I have no choice,” he acknowledged, highlighting the precarious nature of self-employment where sick days or holidays aren’t possible without closing the establishment.
The human cost of independence
Operating as a sole trader brings significant personal sacrifices. José Antonio notes that while customer relationships provide motivation – “wonderful people who give you strength to continue” – approximately 10-15% of interactions present challenges. Nevertheless, he proudly maintains that in over twenty years of operation, he has never needed to call urban guards for assistance.
The financial reality for this Barcelona bar owner reflects the broader challenges facing small businesses. “You earn enough to get by,” he states without drama, though acknowledging the enormous economic and personal burden. The business has provided just enough to support his family financially but never generated substantial profits.
Meanwhile, the pressure on small business owners continues amid broader economic challenges, as highlighted in recent coverage of Mayor Collboni’s demands for EU action on housing crisis affecting Barcelona residents and business owners alike.
Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Based on his extensive experience, José Antonio offers straightforward advice to those dreaming of opening their own establishment. “Don’t start from scratch. Look for an old license, because if you do it from zero, you won’t be able to,” he recommends, pointing to regulatory and financial barriers that make new ventures increasingly difficult.
His reflections on the journey include philosophical acceptance of mistakes. “I’ve made errors, of course, but you learn from mistakes. Money, when you have it, you give it importance, but when you lose it, you don’t remember it anymore.” This perspective comes from someone who has witnessed Barcelona’s economic landscape transform over two decades.
Additionally, the challenges faced by small businesses like Bar Tostanova reflect wider transportation and accessibility issues in the region, similar to those documented in Barcelona Rodalies worst for delays at 20 minutes average coverage affecting both commuters and local commerce.
Ultimately, José Antonio’s story provides a sobering yet realistic picture of what it takes to run a neighbourhood bar in Barcelona today. Despite the challenges, he expresses no regret about pursuing his entrepreneurial dream, embodying the resilience required to sustain small businesses in the city’s competitive landscape.
Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for instant news updates!
Source: Read original article
