Tot a Granel: A Return to the Origins of Local Trade

By Miriam Triay / Photos Gelmarfred / MT - More than a decade ago, Gloria Gelabert Marquès decided that the time had come for a change. Having always worked in the world of catering and hospitality, she realized that the pace was no longer what she needed. With this idea in mind, and with a very clear dream — to have her own business — Tot a Granel was born. A neighborhood shop, rooted in local commerce, that sought to return to the origins of our surroundings. “When everything was sold in bulk.” A project that, a few years ago, eventually became part of the corporation and large company Gelmarfred, which we also feature in this issue of Foodies on Menorca, and which is owned by Gloria’s brother, Jaume Gelabert.

(WHEN) EVERYTHING (WAS) SOLD IN BULK

“Everything began when I decided that the time had come for a change in my working life. Since my brother, Jaume, owned a frozen food distribution company, I thought it would be a very good idea to open a shop in Ciutadella where this product could be sold — but in the old-fashioned way, returning to traditions, just as I remembered it being done in the past and missed so much: in bulk.” From this came the idea, the project, and the name. From the very beginning, the shop was located where it can still be found today, at 41 Lepant Street.

But how did she go from working in hospitality to opening a frozen food shop? In addition to working as a waitress during the Menorcan tourist season, during the months when she was not working she also helped her brother in the various Gelmarfred shops located in Ferreries and Alaior. “Once I got hands-on experience, I realized that I really liked it — both serving customers from this different perspective and the frozen food sector itself.”

However, everything evolves and moves forward, and after a few years Gloria decided that the time had come to expand her offer and provide more to the people of Ciutadella. “I realized that frozen foods didn’t quite fit in Ciutadella, and I wanted to expand the range of products.” By chance, a shopkeeper she knew was retiring and offered her the suppliers she worked with. In this way, Tot a Granel also became a counter for local fruit and vegetables.

GEL(ABERT) MAR(QUÈS) FRED

Fighting for her dream was never difficult for Gloria. She wanted the shop to succeed and adapted as much as she could. Frozen products gradually became more accepted, and fruit and vegetables opened the door to a wide range of customers. The small corner shop of Tot a Granel began to grow and gain recognition.

But the effort required to maintain this type of business — especially when you are on your own — is considerable. “I started to feel overwhelmed. It wasn’t a financial issue; the shop was doing well. But running a small business as a self-employed person, having to invoice every month, with all the headaches that entails… there came a point when it no longer compensated for me. I had already left the hospitality world because of the lack of rest and the lifestyle it involved, and now I had gone almost ten years without taking a single holiday.” Gloria decided to prioritize her health, her rest, and her well-being over this dream. And although the decision, as she admits, was very difficult — involving many sleepless nights and many tears — she finally made it.

“When I had already decided to let it go, after a lot of thinking and crying, my brother stopped me. He felt I shouldn’t throw in the towel, especially with a business that was financially viable. He studied the numbers and offered me an option that changed my life: to become part of Gelmarfred, keeping my shop, but earning a salary and becoming an employee like any other. And that’s what I did.”

Today, Tot a Granel is part of the Gelmarfred family. Yet it retains all of its essence. In fact, there have been no visible changes — except one very important one: Gloria now has a secure monthly salary and holidays every year. The worries are no longer hers, but she can still keep alive the excitement of seeing her dream fulfilled.

In the words of Jaume Gelabert: “Tot a Granel belongs to Gloria. It is Gloria. It was her personal venture and it still is. The shop follows the same philosophy, and she continues to run everything — we’ve simply helped her. And the truth is that it’s worked very well for us to add another shop in a location where we didn’t yet have one; and for Gloria too, because she’s been able to rest while maintaining her freedom.”

THE EVOLUTION OF A DREAM

The small corner shop is still Gloria. She is its face, its hands, and its heart. Putting her whole soul into it, she has always kept it moving forward. With a traditional essence, yet capable of adapting to the times, the public, and the moment. Today, Tot a Granel has a loyal customer base, while also welcoming seasonal clients, as is common with shops of this kind. “Watermelon and melon season is the most popular time for the shop. I found some very good suppliers, and people really appreciate it.” A clientele that, after nearly a decade, has learned to value local produce as well as frozen foods. Croquettes, cannelloni, and breaded squid are regular items in the shopping baskets of Ciutadella’s residents — but so are oranges, broad beans, and potatoes. Products from near and far, bought by locals and tourists alike, always maintaining the most traditional essence: everything sold in bulk.