22 May, 2013

By VIVA Team

Food forethought: Trobado's solution to economic woe is a smart one

It’s an innovation that is both a sign of the times and an encouragement for the future. A restaurant in Spain’s Catalonia region has devised a solution for people who cannot afford to eat out: dine there, then give up an hour of your time to work there – serving, cleaning or clearing up…


The restaurant is called Troboda, and caters for local jobless or under-employed people who have cash flow difficulties. In a country with 6.2 million unemployed, it is a smart solution to a widespread problem.

In return for a free meal, customers then pay off their bill through work. One customer told Euronews just how grateful she was that such an initiative was available to her. “I think this is great, I love it,” said Julia González, a former cleaner who has been out of work for two years.

“Since I have been here I feel more optimistic. I have made lots of friends. We all stick together and encourage each other. It is a unique opportunity.” After her meal, González will help out in the kitchen, clearing away plates and cutlery.

The restaurant’s manager, Xavier Casas, also spoke to Euronews about the scheme, which forms part of a social club and joint venture run in conjunction with Terrassa city council and a number of local charities.

“Soup kitchens have to play a social role, this restaurant is different,” said Casas. “They’re complementary. This is aimed at people wanting to regain and strengthen their self-esteem. People wanting to improve their daily lives.”

During the project’s first year, Casas estimates that the restaurant has generated more than 15,000 hours of voluntary work.

A quarter of the scheme’s budget is provided by paying customers – customers who understand that suffering neighbours and failing restaurants are no good for anybody, not least the community.

It is a fine example of society functioning as it should – supportive, cohesive and looking after the weakest members.