Cinnamood Barcelona opens its first franchise in the city on Carrer de l’Argenteria in El Born. The German brand, known for its ‘Instagrammable‘ cinnamon rolls, marks another step in the globalisation of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella culinary landscape.
This location draws particular attention. The shop occupies the premises of the former Granja Xador, a beloved traditional dairy bar that closed in 2017. Meanwhile, Starbucks occupied the site for eight years before departing. Consequently, the new sweet-treat specialist now moves in.
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Modernist Charm Lost to Renovation
The transformation of Number 61 Argenteria highlights the ongoing tension between commercial expansion and heritage preservation in the Catalan capital. Granja Xador closed its doors nearly a decade ago. Consequently, this closure struck a blow to the neighbourhood’s identity. Moreover, it ended generations of afternoons spent over churros and hot chocolate.
Starbucks retained some elements of the building’s character while adapting it to their corporate aesthetic. However, Cinnamood Barcelona opens with a more drastic departure. Reports indicate that almost every trace of the past has been erased. Additionally, this includes exterior signage and interior modernist ornamentation. Therefore, the brand’s contemporary design now dominates the space.
Architect Alberto Mejías co-authored a pre-catalogue of potentially emblematic establishments in 2011. He noted the site’s original significance. Moreover, Mejías described it as “the only dairy bar of that type left in La Ribera.” He praised its “modernist charm” and wonderful tables. However, the final Catalogue of Emblematic Establishments approved by the City Council did not include the premises. Therefore, it left the site without official heritage protection.
“It was identity-forming for the neighbourhood, where it was important.”, Alberto Mejías, Architect
Mejías regrets the loss of the historical interior. Meanwhile, he acknowledges that an active business is preferable to a shuttered shop front for the neighbourhood.
Cinnamood Barcelona Opens with Global Dessert Trends
Cinnamood Barcelona opens with a menu reflecting current global dessert trends. The shop offers an “XXL” selection of flavours beyond the standard cinnamon roll. These include pistachio, Red Velvet, blueberry, and salted caramel. Moreover, the brand, headquartered in Cologne, positions itself as a “trendy” destination. Consequently, it serves coffee, shakes, and healthy drinks alongside its signature pastries.
The company is expanding rapidly. Additionally, it has offices in Germany and Barcelona and over a thousand employees worldwide. In Spain, they have also recently established a presence in Granada.
The Fate of Traditional Commerce
The story of Carrer de l’Argenteria is a microcosm of broader shifts in Barcelona’s city centre. High rental yields from international chains often outpace what traditional family businesses can generate. In the case of Granja Xador, the owner chose to lease the property rather than sell it. Therefore, this decision secured a higher income stream.
Fortunately for traditionalists, the spirit of the original business has not vanished entirely. Meanwhile, in 2020, the Xador brand revived in the Les Corts district. Consequently, it offers the same classic Catalan granja experience, albeit far from its original Born home.
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