Mireia Serra is preparing to close Giulio, her well-known restaurant in Sant Cugat del Vallès, after 25 years of service. Serra, who moved to Sant Cugat permanently in 1979, has been a fixture in the local culinary scene, building a loyal customer base that she considers family.
Serra's connection to Sant Cugat began in her childhood, spending summers on Carrer de les Ones, a quiet, unpaved street where she enjoyed a carefree upbringing. She describes these memories as "fantastic" and recalls a strong sense of community. Her parents and grandparents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a focus on others, values that have guided her throughout her life, according to Serra.
A Life Shaped by Art and Family
Born in Barcelona, Serra's family cultivated an appreciation for art and music. She attended art classes in Barcelona and later at the Escola de Belles Arts de Sant Cugat, not for a degree, but for the sheer enjoyment of learning. "Everything was surrounded by music and art," she said, recalling classical music playing on Sunday mornings and visits to art galleries in Barcelona's Plaça del Pi with her mother.
Serra believes art and music offer refuge and medicine, a sentiment reflected in her restaurant's decor, which features images of Sant Cugat and local figures like Pantaleó. One notable photograph of Pantaleó was a gift from the late photographer Pep Pujol, a regular at Giulio's free Christmas Eve dinners.
Before opening Giulio, Serra worked in diverse fields, including a pharmaceutical multinational and a rubber stamp company. The pharmaceutical job offered flexibility and travel, which appealed to her when she was younger. However, after moving to Sant Cugat, she left to focus on raising a family.
From Stamps to Stewards
Following a separation years later, Serra worked in a stamp factory for three years, finding a creative outlet in making coloured stamps. The opportunity to take over Giulio arose when the previous owners, a couple, had a disagreement. "I was working many shifts to make ends meet," she explained, "they proposed it to me and I thought, 'come on, I'll take it'."
The original Giulio was on Avinguda Catalunya but was demolished to make way for flats. Serra then opened the current location, transforming a former mechanic's workshop. "I went into debt up to my eyebrows, but look, here I am," she stated.
Serra attributes Giulio's longevity to passion, hard work, and a genuine love for the profession. She acknowledges the demanding nature of the restaurant business, often working when others are socialising. However, the relationships forged with her customers have been her greatest reward. "My clients have compensated me for this, because we have formed a kind of family," she said.
The Future Beyond Giulio
While closing Giulio brings sadness, especially regarding her grandchildren who hoped she would pick them up from school, Serra assures them, "it doesn't end here." She plans to stay connected with her customers, with whom she shares phone numbers and plans for future gatherings. "Giulio ends, but Mireia doesn't," she affirmed.
Serra confirmed that another business will take over the premises. She expressed satisfaction with the new owner, stating, "I'm very happy with the person who will take over, because I'll be able to go there for lunch."
