From corporate finance to Barcelona bars

Robby Dunne left life in corporate finance in Dublin for Barcelona 13 years ago and now runs three bar-restaurants in the city – La Fianna, La Luna and Dunne's Irish Bar – with a fourth establishment due to open in a matter of months.

Despite having worked in bars during his late teens and early 20s, Dunne went on to forge a career in corporate finance for Bysis Fund Services, moving back to Dublin in 2000, where his role as financial director was a pan-European one.

In 2002, the company closed many of its offices across Europe (and was subsequently bought by Citigroup in 2007).

“I had the offer to return to the States but I didn’t really want to go back,” says Dunne. “The weather was horrific and I had some savings, so when my pal suggested I give Barcelona a go, I took a sabbatical.”

The first business Dunne opened was called La Fianna, a bar and restaurant with a distinctly laid-back atmosphere.

“I was lucky in that it was probably the first large place within the Born area of Barcelona so it became a popular place for people to socialise.”

Narrow streets

The Born area of Barcelona was not the popular social destination it is now and there were few other large bars or restaurants among the narrow streets. The introduction of the smoking ban in 2008 brought further complications with neighbours as customers went outside to smoke.

“Back then, the Born Barrio of Barcelona was just becoming a cool area to hang out, so local people saw a lot of changes and weren’t happy with bars staying open till 3am,” says Dunne.

Dunne did not have a word of Spanish at the time – something of a challenge when establishing his business. “Some English guys and an American helped me to set up the business and build the premises. Phone calls were the worst. It was so difficult to get my point across or understand what people were saying,” he says.

“In those early days, not only did he need to learn Spanish but everything had to be done in Catalan as well. The people are incredibly proud of their culture – you can actually get fined for not having a menu printed in Catalan which is widely spoken,” says Dunne.

Dunne used a law company with whom he was familiar from his corporate finance days to handle the paperwork.

“A good English-speaking lawyer is essential when you’re setting up a business, particularly in terms of contractual agreements.”

In November 2007, Dunne opened his second business, La Luna, at the same time his first child was born.

“When you open a new bar or restaurant, you have to immerse yourself in it. It was tough doing that with a new baby and, to make matters worse, we did it again with the second child opening the Irish bar in September 2010!” he laughs.

The financial crisis impacted on how people want to eat.

“They no longer want to have to pay €18 for a steak when they go out. Businesses were forced to think outside the box. What happened in Ireland in 2008 and 2009 didn’t happen here until 2012 and 2013 when things were at their very worst. It took a while longer for the crash to trickle down, despite the fact that the Spanish did not over-extend themselves the way the Irish did.”

One of the greatest impacts he has seen is on the number of ex-pats in the city. “They would work hard five days a week and then they’d spend their money in the bars two days a week . . . between 2012 and 2014 it was even difficult to find experienced staff. I was getting CVs from architects and mechanics but not everyone can be a waitress or a bartender – it’s an art like anything else,” he says.

Being his own boss means Dunne gets to spend plenty of time with his wife and kids, bringing them to school in the morning and having dinner with them in the evening.

Countryside

“Living in the city suits us all. It’s near work for me, my kids Maria and Robby go to a really cool school and my wife Natalia loves living in the city. It’s only 30 minutes into the countryside so we get out often.

“If you’re moving to Barcelona and to work in hospitality you really have to live in the city to reach the masses of tourists who come here.”

Dunne says he is happier and more financially comfortable than he might be had he stayed in corporate finance, and taking a punt on the size of his premises has paid off.

“I am definitely happier here doing this than I would have been had I stayed in my career in finance,” he says. “A number of friends also left similar roles to come here and opened up businesses and we all just think we are the luckiest guys on the planet . . . We work hard, we have to work hard, but it’s nice being your own boss and making your way.”

[ lafianna.com ]

[ lalunabcn.com ]

[ dunnesirishbar.com ]