The iconic Gran Café Gijón in Madrid is set to undergo a transition in ownership, marking the end of an era for the establishment that has long served as a gathering place for artists, writers, and journalists. The Escamilla family, who have managed the café, have decided to sell the beloved venue located on the Paseo de Recoletos.
However, this is not a permanent farewell. The café will reopen its doors in January under the new ownership of the Group Capuccino, which operates several locations across Mallorca, Ibiza, Málaga, and Switzerland. The company plans to undertake a comprehensive renovation while aiming to maintain the essence of the historic venue.
A spokesperson from the Group Capuccino expressed their satisfaction with the acquisition and shared excitement about the upcoming project, stating, “We are pleased with the operation carried out and are enthusiastic about the project.”
Gran Café Gijón has an impressive legacy, having been transferred to Benigno López Jabato in 1914, who significantly renovated it in 1925. Since then, it has served as a vibrant meeting point for prominent figures in cinema and literature, and has hosted numerous significant events.
Its cultural importance is underscored by the establishment of the national short novel award, Premio Café Gijón, created in 1949 by director and actor José María Rodríguez Méndez in honor of the café, which continues to be awarded today.
