Flagship store in California shuts down permanently on August 17, marking the end of a 24-year run.
The Spanish Table, a beloved Spanish wine and food store in Berkeley, California, is closing its doors after 24 years of operation. The store, which first opened in 2001, expanded to Inner Richmond, San Francisco in 2016, and has been a staple in the community ever since.
The closure is primarily due to the impact of 15% tariffs on European imports imposed during the Trump administration. These tariffs raised costs for The Spanish Table by as much as 35%, making it impossible for the store to reliably import about 30% of its inventory from Europe.
The tariffs have created uncertainty and supply shortages, with none of The Spanish Table's signature paellera items currently in stock. U.S. importers pay the tariffs when a product arrives in the United States, not when it's sent, so the price can vary upon arrival.
In addition to tariffs, other factors have contributed to the closure. Changing consumer buying habits, with specialty products becoming more widely available from large retailers and online sellers like Amazon and Whole Foods, have reduced the unique appeal of The Spanish Table. Economic pressures such as inflation, rising labor costs, and declining alcohol sales have also impacted profitability. Increased competition from larger retailers offering similar products at lower prices with faster delivery has further intensified the challenges faced by The Spanish Table.
The closing party for The Spanish Table in Berkeley will take place on Sunday, August 17 from 3 PM. The event details can be found on Eventbrite. The party is described as an unforgettable celebration to bid farewell to The Spanish Table Store Berkeley. Tickets for the event can be purchased, with standard prices of US$28 and US$55. There will also be free entries available.
The owner, Bastian Schoell, finds the closure emotionally wrenching, considering himself a successful entrepreneur. Schoell had hoped to keep the location open for at least another year to celebrate its 25th anniversary. However, the tariffs, combined with other economic challenges, have made it impossible to continue operations.
The Spanish Table was first opened in Seattle in 1995, ten years after a couple fell in love with Spain during a vacation in 1985. The store later expanded to Berkeley, California in 2001 and to Inner Richmond, San Francisco in 2016. Despite closing the Berkeley store, Schoell plans to continue operations at other locations and the online store. However, the tariffs and economic challenges continue to affect the business overall.
As The Spanish Table closes its Berkeley location, it leaves behind a 24-year history in Berkeley, considered like an institution. The store will be missed by its loyal customers and the community as a whole.
[1] The Spanish Table in Berkeley to close after 24 years due to tariffs
[2] The Spanish Table to close after 24 years due to tariffs
[3] The Spanish Table in Berkeley to close after 24 years due to tariffs
[4] The Spanish Table in Berkeley to close after 24 years due to tariffs
[5] The Spanish Table in Berkeley to close after 24 years due to tariffs
- The increased tariffs on European imports during the Trump administration have made it difficult for small-businesses like The Spanish Table, causing them to face significant financial challenges and ultimately lead to their closure.
- The combination of shifting retail industry trends, such as increased competition from larger online retailers, and economic pressures such as tariffs have significantly impacted the profitability of small-businesses like The Spanish Table, forcing them to shut their doors after years of operation.
- The closure of The Spanish Table, a beloved Spanish wine and food store, is not only a consequence of the tariffs on European imports but also a reflection of the broader challenges faced by small-businesses in the finance and retail sectors.
