After reopening just over two years ago thanks to the investment of the restaurant group Banco de Boquerones, the establishment has been unable to overcome economic difficulties. Those in charge attribute the closure to the "change of era" and the increasing challenge of maintaining historic businesses.
Despite the effort and investment made, the financial situation has not improved. The new project aimed to evoke the golden age under the direction of businesswoman Rosa Gil, who closed in 2015. However, the lack of generational customer turnover and the reluctance of some locals and tourists to venture into the neighborhood have hindered its survival.
“"We don't want to blame the neighborhood; we prefer to blame the change of era we are experiencing. Sustaining a historic business is increasingly difficult. We tried and didn't succeed, but we have an unforgettable memory and the hope that someone will pick up the torch."
Sources in the sector indicate that many citizens avoid the city center for dining, and that tourists with purchasing power are advised caution in the Raval. The establishment, which employed 11 people, received support from figures like Mayor Collboni, who hosted President Pedro Sánchez there in 2024.
Casa Leopoldo, originally opened in 1936 and popularized by Rosa Gil as a literary meeting point, has undergone various stages and recovery attempts since its closure in 2015. Previous efforts include a tapas project with Rafa Peña and a brief stint as a cheap menu Chinese restaurant.
The Banco de Boquerones group, known for other establishments like Casa Ràfols or Casa Lolea, opted to revive traditional recipes and original decorative elements while updating the interior design. Despite a tribute to Rosa Gil last June, the project has not managed to take root in the neighborhood's new context.
