Barcelona restaurateurs sue Mercadona over in-store dining

Mercadona encroaches on bar business: Guild reports 30 supermarkets for unauthorized dining

The Barcelona Restaurant Guild has taken decisive action. It filed an administrative complaint against 30 Mercadona outlets, accusing them of unfair competition and regulatory non-compliance. This conflict is not new, but the battle is now legal: the guild representing Barcelona’s restaurateurs wants these areas offering ready meals with tables and microwaves to shut down. Some compare it to IKEA, but without Swedish furniture.

Rest areas or low-cost restaurants?

Mercadona argues its "mercaurants" are rest areas, not dining establishments. The chain states it provides microwaves, chairs, and cutlery so customers can eat ready meals bought in-store, without any service. However, Roger Pallarols, the Guild director, insists they are "low-cost restaurants" operating without licenses and abusa municipal food commerce ordinances, which ban commercial activities between entry doors and checkout counters. Pallarols says the ordinance is clear, and the complaint triggers mechanisms to make these spaces disappear from Barcelona.

Interestingly, the Guild’s argument clashes with industry reality. Many traditional restaurants also serve fifth-range dishes—ready meals—at prices that double or triple those at Mercadona. A €19.50 set menu with Cuban-style rice, frozen San Jacobo, and tub ice cream is hard to justify when a lasagna costs €4 next door. The uncomfortable question: Is this complaint about legality or a smokescreen hiding lack of competitiveness?

Unfair competition or free market?

Industry reaction was swift. While some argue Mercadona competes unfairly—avoiding same fees and health inspections—others see the Guild promoting outdated protectionism. If supermarkets offer affordable eating spaces, the issue lies with businesses unable to compete. Ironically, bars themselves drove this shift: rigid hours, expensive menus, and slow service pushed consumers toward faster, cheaper alternatives.

Moreover, the debate has local bias. Critics note that if the supermarket were Bon Preu, a Catalan chain, no complaint might exist. Suspicions of partiality hang over the Guild’s actions, targeting one company rather than addressing widespread regulatory breaches.

What happens next?

The administrative complaint is filed. Barcelona City Council must decide if Mercadona’s mercaurants abusa the ordinance. Meanwhile, the chain continues selling ready meals, and customers sit on stools eating Russian salad for €2.50. The battle is served. As often happens, consumers watch from the sidelines while heavyweights tangle in fine print. Free markets, some say, shouldn’t need complaints to survive.