Probably, Pepa Bascón never imagined having such a response when, from her sunny Seville, she moved to Cologne in search of new experiences. Instead, twenty years after her ‘expatriation’, she has not only had a string of endeavours, but has seen success at every turn.
After having cut her teeth in the hospitality industry for more than ten years, perhaps a bit of nostalgia caused her to open a small store in the centre of Cologne, where she could sell to those in the industry, Spanish and Italian restaurants, the best of the gastronomic products of her country. Not only did those around the city become aware of it, but a user basin going up to Düsseldorf allowed it to grow in popularity. Thus, the jump towards an enlarged business was almost a necessity.
Thus, Solera ‘cash & carry’ supermarket, was born. Inaugurated in 2016, this time not strictly limited to professionals, but extended to a clientele eager to savour a little bit of ‘Spanish happiness’ through high quality products, all of them, naturally, carefully chosen by Pepa. Approximately 500 square metres on Mathias-Brüggen-Straße 1, still in her beloved Cologne, express all the emotion of the Mediterranean thanks to the project of her fellow countrymen, Masquespacio, who managed to combine creativity with specific functional needs.
The black colour suggests reliability and seriousness and balances the cheerfulness of the bright tones. The large striped awnings and the Mediterranean-style tiles evoke Andalucía. The Valencian interior design studio has also created all the signage, adapting it to the style of the space with flashes of pure delight in the use of geometry and strong colours. A warm and joyful atmosphere that is not limited to sales, but also offers tastings and seminars, thanks to the beautiful convivial kitchen located adjacent to the cold room. Another opportunity that Pepa Bascón didn’t miss out on.
