A memorable run of nearly two decades comes to an end when The Spanish Table Berkeley closes its doors over the weekend of August 15-17, 2025. The iconic gourmet grocery store has served the East Bay since its opening in the fall of 2001. The announcement follows the store’s recent post citing U.S. tariff changes as a factor forcing some businesses to close. The store is hosting a closing party on August 17 at 3 pm.
Highlights
- Final service at The Spanish Table’s Berkeley store will take place August 15–17, after which it will close for good.
- The iconic retailer will conclude its successful run of more than two decades with a closing party on August 17.
- The business will continue to operate its San Francisco location and will partner with Evergreen Berkeley in the future.
The Spanish Table Ends 24-Year Run in Berkeley
The Spanish Table’s 24-year legacy will come to an end this weekend, with its final day being August 17, 2025. Located on San Pablo Avenue, the store specialized in Iberian foods and cookware for nearly 25 years.
The owners of the store shared the closure news on its social media pages and its official website via a blog signed by Bastian Schoell, President, The European Table. The business is under major financial strain, driven by recent changes in US tariffs and mounting operational costs.
A few days before announcing the closure, the owners wrote on Instagram, “In our cases, the trade policy the President is pursuing is putting us out of business and will cost Americans’ jobs.”
Closing just a year short of its 25th anniversary, the Berkeley store showcased the best of Spain and Portugal, quickly becoming a go-to destination for food lovers in the SF Bay Area.
Steve Winston and Sharon Baden opened the Berkeley location in 2001, making it the Bay Area’s first shop dedicated to Spanish and Portuguese goods. Before its departure, the outlet is celebrating its journey with a closing party on August 17 at 3 pm.
Tariffs, Rising Costs Lead to Closure
The Spanish Table was hit by inflation post-pandemic. With luxury spending down, the business faced rising wages, higher goods costs, and increased operating expenses. Shifting shopping habits had placed the company in fierce competition with both long-established retail giants and emerging rivals offering faster service and lower prices.
After a decade of growth, declining alcohol consumption cut into wine and beer sales. This happened at a time when foot traffic dropped, shelves emptied, and overall sales declined.
In the official blog, Schoell said, “At present, 15% tariffs on European imports and a weaker dollar will raise prices by upwards of 35%. The uncertainty of our administration’s trade policies so far this year has also made direct imports, which make up 30% of our products, impossible, and we are out of many goods that we can’t buy from others.”
After a long search, The Spanish Table partnered with Evergreen Berkeley, which has the facilities and licenses to bring their vision to life. The company said the partnership could influence its future, though details have not been finalized.
Continuing Stores Beyond Berkeley
The company will continue operating through its other San Francisco location and its online store. They plan to collaborate with Evergreen Berkeley through pop-ups featuring Spanish food and wine, beginning in September.
They are also exploring new partnerships with local Berkeley businesses to keep the Iberian food community intact for the next phase of their story. The business is open to collaboration with anyone who shares their belief in the value of an Iberian food and wine experience.
The Berkeley store grew into the Bay Area’s go-to destination for Iberian specialties, offering everything from large paella pans to rare wines and sherries. Known as well for its olive oils, chorizo, and tapas, the shop offered an array of Spanish staples.
The Spanish Table expressed appreciation to its customers for their support over the years. Whatever the future brings, its legacy as a home, gathering place, and family will endure.
