La Laguna's Hespérides cafeteria closes for renovations amid rumors

The historic establishment in La Laguna's old town has temporarily closed its doors, sparking debate on social media about the future of local businesses.

Generic image of the closed facade of the Hespérides cafeteria in La Laguna.
IA

Generic image of the closed facade of the Hespérides cafeteria in La Laguna.

The historic Hespérides cafeteria, a landmark in La Laguna's center for over 50 years, has temporarily closed its doors, creating uncertainty and debate among residents and regular customers.

The lowered shutter of the Hespérides cafeteria, an emblematic business in the historic center of La Laguna, has sparked widespread speculation about its future. While some rumors suggested a permanent closure, a sign on the facade reads “closed for renovations”, a version supported by recent reports of construction work inside.
This establishment, with over 50 years of history according to the La Laguna City Council, has become the focal point of an intense debate on social media. A post on I Love La Laguna questioned the need to "demand excellence from La Laguna's businesses" and to "update the offer to meet demand", triggering mixed reactions.
While many users defend local businesses against the proliferation of franchises, others criticize the Hespérides' lack of adaptation. Aspects mentioned include the refusal of card payments (TPV) and a perception of the place being "dirty, dark, and unrenovated" in previous years, contrasting with memories of its golden age.
The controversy has also highlighted the pressure of rents in the historic center, cited as a primary reason for the closure of small businesses due to property speculation. Uncertainty remains whether Hespérides will reopen renovated or join the list of casualties among La Laguna's proximity businesses.