A beloved century-old establishment in Barcelona's Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood, the Vermuteria del Tano, has recently changed hands, with new owners pledging to preserve its authentic character. After 35 years at the helm, Cayetano, known as Tano, and his wife Maricel have retired, passing the legacy of the iconic bar on Joan Blanques, 17, to siblings Marta Jiménez and her brother.
Marta Jiménez, who has previous experience in hospitality, confirmed that the essence of the bar will remain untouched. "I'm not here to change the Vermuteria del Tano, but to look after it, so that it continues to be what it has been until now: a neighbourhood bar, authentic, where people feel at home," she stated. Her brother, a neighbour of the establishment, was already familiar with Tano and the bodega, leading to their decision to take over.
For Tano and Maricel, who have retired to enjoy vermut and anchovies as customers, preserving the bar's unique spirit was paramount. Tano explained that he had received numerous offers to sell the business, including from "companies that own 50,000 bars," but none convinced him. "It was a coincidence that the neighbour was interested," he remarked, highlighting his desire for the bar to "continue to be a special place and have that glamour that many vermuterias do not have."
Maintaining Neighbourhood Heritage
Marta Jiménez described the acquisition as "a unique opportunity," recognising the Vermuteria del Tano as "neighbourhood heritage." The handover process involved the former owners sharing their expertise, particularly in the preparation of preserves and gildas, ensuring the continued delight of a clientele that Tano and Maricel consider family. The couple expressed that they have gained "an enormous quantity of friends" over their decades of service, making the bar a place where people felt truly at home. Their departure was marked by a surprise farewell and a book filled with shared memories.
The walls of the bodega are a testament to its rich history, adorned with pictures, posters, clocks, souvenirs from customers' travels, and photographs and clippings from the local club, Europa. Tano recounted that shortly after he took over the business in 1991, he was even offered the chance to replicate the bodega in New York, but chose to remain anchored in Gràcia, establishing the Vermuteria del Tano as a local classic.
A Tradition of Service
A key request from Tano to the new owners was the retention of the existing staff. Consequently, Àngels and Josep continue to serve tables and the traditional Perucchi vermut, presented in a small glass without ice or orange, just as it has always been. Marta Jiménez now finds joy in serving Tano and Maricel when they visit, noting, "Now when Tano and Maricel come, I'm the one who serves them vermut, and seeing them enjoy it is very lovely."
The transition ensures that the Vermuteria del Tano will continue its long-standing tradition as a social hub in Vila de Gràcia. The commitment of the new owners to uphold its authentic character promises that this beloved neighbourhood institution will remain a cherished gathering place for generations to come.
