In this episode, we sit down with Xavi Padrosa, co-founder and CEO of Teleferique Barcelona. A rapidly growing Spanish restaurant group with locations across Spain, California and Arizona.  Known for authentic tapas, pinchos, paella and a hospitality experience designed to transport guests straight to Barcelona.

Before building Teleferique Barcelona, Xavi came to the United States as a teenager to pursue tennis, eventually staying in California for college after realizing a professional tennis career wasn’t in the cards. While his parents had already built a beloved restaurant in Barcelona, Xavi and his sister saw an opportunity to bring the concept to the U.S.

What started as a small 30 to 40 seat restaurant outside Barcelona turned into something much bigger after a real estate developer discovered Teleferique on his honeymoon and invited them to open in Walnut Creek, California. Despite having little restaurant experience, limited resources and no clear roadmap for U.S. expansion, Xavi and his family took the leap.

Today, Teleferique Barcelona has grown to 11 locations across multiple states with several restaurants generating millions in annual sales all while staying focused on authentic hospitality and Spanish culture.

In this episode, we talk about:
 • Moving to the U.S. as a teenager to pursue tennis
 • Taking over and modernizing the family restaurant business
 • Opening the first Teleferique Barcelona location in Spain
 • The unexpected honeymoon story that sparked U.S. expansion
 • Raising money and opening the first U.S. location in Walnut Creek
 • Adapting authentic Spanish cuisine for the American market
 • Why many European restaurant concepts fail in the U.S.
 • Scaling from one restaurant to 11 locations
 • Managing rapid restaurant growth without private equity
 • Why Xavi prioritizes balance over hyper growth
 • How Ironman training changed his mindset as an entrepreneur

Whether you’re building a restaurant or scaling a hospitality brand, this episode is packed with practical lessons on adaptation, leadership and building something that lasts.

Resources & Links
Xavi Padrosa Email:  [email protected]
Telefèric Barcelona Website: https://www.telefericbarcelona.com/

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