Parking Pizza is expanding its successful restaurant chain with two new locations in Barcelona and Madrid next year.
The Barcelona-born pizzeria, which famously began in a converted parking garage a decade ago, continues its growth trajectory under founder Berta Bernat’s leadership.
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This expansion marks the latest chapter for a brand that helped transform Barcelona’s pizza scene.
Parking Pizza Growth Strategy Targets New Neighborhoods
The new Barcelona location will be situated in Ciutat Vella, strategically expanding beyond the brand’s current presence in Eixample and the upper districts. “I’ve been thinking about Ciutat Vella, which is where we don’t have any locations yet,” explains Bernat, who currently operates five pizzerias in Barcelona and two in Madrid. Furthermore, this expansion represents careful market analysis rather than rapid growth for its own sake.
The original Parking Pizza opened ten years ago at number 98 Carrer Londres in Barcelona. There, Berta Bernat and her late partner Marcos Armenteras converted what had been building garages into their first pizzeria. The space retained such a strong parking aesthetic that it still opens with a rolling shutter door today. Consequently, the unique atmosphere became an integral part of the brand’s identity from the very beginning.
From Parking Garage to Pizza Pioneer
Bernat maintains that when they started a decade ago, Barcelona lacked quality pizza options. “We were the first to think about it and get involved; afterwards there was a boom,” she recalls. The city has since developed what she describes as being “in love with pizzas.” However, she notes the market has grown so much that some neighborhoods now feel saturated while others remain underserved.
The restaurant’s distinctive aesthetic drew inspiration from northern European establishments, featuring shared wooden tables and backless stools that could store coats and backpacks. Additionally, they specially ordered their chairs from Belgium after spotting similar designs in London restaurants. Meanwhile, the brand has maintained its commitment to quality ingredients, particularly its signature sourdough crust that set it apart from competitors.
Beyond the pizza expansion, Bernat also operates Parking Sótano in Barcelona’s Passatge Marimon, focusing on wood-fired grilled meats. The success of this complementary concept demonstrates the brand’s ability to diversify while maintaining quality standards. Moreover, the substantial volume of takeaway orders indicates strong customer appreciation for their meat offerings.
Celebrating a Decade of Success
To mark their tenth anniversary, Parking Pizza has introduced a special collaboration pizza featuring smoked beef, potato, cheese, and egg yolk. This limited edition creation partners with Petramora brand and Rooftop Smokehouse establishment. The celebratory pizza represents both innovation and the brand’s ongoing commitment to quality ingredients.
Contrary to assumptions that pizza consumption peaks on weekends, Bernat reports consistent demand throughout the week. “I would say the only day that might be a bit slow is Monday,” she notes. The restaurants also offer an €18.50 menu including a small pizza, drink, and ice cream dessert, providing accessible pricing alongside their premium offerings.
According to recent Barcelona hospitality trends, the city continues to embrace innovative dining concepts. Parking Pizza’s expansion reflects this ongoing evolution in Barcelona’s culinary landscape. The brand’s journey from a single parking garage location to a multi-city presence demonstrates how unique concepts can capture the city’s imagination when executed with quality and vision.
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