A popular kiosk-bar in Montjuïc, Les Cascades, faces significant criticism from Barcelona residents and tourists. This follows dramatically increased prices and declining service quality, after a change in its municipal concession in May 2024.
Customers report beer prices rising to €7-€8 and two orange juices costing €14. This has prompted widespread negative reviews on Google. The establishment, once a cherished spot for locals, has now become a "tourist bar," according to one reviewer. "Prices have doubled. Service quality is poor," a customer wrote. They added, "All to make quick money by taking advantage of tourists and annoying the people of Barcelona." Another stated, "For a long time, this was our go-to bar in Montjuïc. Now it has become a tourist bar."
Public Tender Sparks Controversy
The kiosk, owned by the Ajuntament de Barcelona, is located on Passeig de Jean Forestier near the Font Màgica. It previously enjoyed a five-year reputation for reasonable prices and good service under its former operator, Laiettanus SLU. Residents of nearby Poble-sec, for example, considered it a very special and authentic place. The change occurred after Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM), a municipal company, awarded the concession to Coffee Park Store SL following a public tender process. The previous concession ended in April 2024.
The public tender process involved three envelopes for evaluation. The first envelope assessed technical aspects. The second evaluated the business proposal, focusing on image, activity, quality, and environmental improvements. The third envelope considered the economic offer. Laiettanus SLU, the previous operator, received 50 points in the second envelope. Lourdes Rosendo Moreno, another contender, scored the highest with 57 points. Coffee Park Store SL, the current operator, received 48 points, placing third in this category.
Economic Offer Outweighs Quality
The scenario changed dramatically with the results of the third envelope. BSM had set a minimum monthly fee of €3,900 for the concession. The two leading contenders, Laiettanus SLU and Lourdes Rosendo Moreno, submitted offers around €5,100 per month. However, Coffee Park Store SL presented a significantly higher offer, exceeding €22,800 monthly. This substantial difference allowed Coffee Park Store SL to secure 40 points in the economic offer section, while the other two participants received fewer than three points each.
This outcome completely overturned the initial scores and the final ranking. BSM awarded the concession to Coffee Park Store SL on 23 April 2024, with a total of 88 points. Lourdes Rosendo Moreno finished with 59.88 points, and Laiettanus SLU with 52.43 points. Laiettanus SLU filed an appeal, arguing that Coffee Park Store SL's offer was "reckless." However, BSM rejected these appeals.
BSM Implements New Concession Cap
Although Coffee Park Store SL's winning bid remained within legal limits, BSM subsequently decided to establish a maximum cap for future Montjuïc kiosk tenders. This measure aims to prevent similar situations where an exceptionally high economic offer overshadows other crucial aspects of the business proposal. Of the three kiosk tenders on Montjuïc in the past year, Les Cascades is the only one that changed hands. The other two, the historic Marcelino on Avinguda Miramar and Els Cims near the Montjuïc Cable Car, remained under the control of their previous operators. Both of these operators achieved maximum scores in the second envelope, which evaluates image, activity, quality, and environmental improvements.
Local Impact and Future Outlook
The shift at Les Cascades highlights a broader concern among Barcelona residents regarding the balance between tourism and local community needs. The kiosk, situated in a prime tourist location, previously served as an accessible amenity for locals. Its transformation into an expensive tourist-focused venue has sparked frustration. Municipal sources consulted by Tot Barcelona referred to the content of BSM's tenders and declined to comment further on the matter. The new cap on future bids suggests BSM acknowledges the need for a more balanced approach in public concession awards, potentially aiming to preserve local accessibility and service quality in public spaces.
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
