B for Bocata, a success crafted with care

The Romantic, based on roast beef with Parisian coffee sauce, the Maradona, made with Iberian secret with spiced chimichurri sauce and caramelized onion, or the Cuban, made with slow-roasted pork leg with cheese, pickles and mustard mayonnaise, are some of the most successful sandwiches served at B de Bocata in Barcelona (Granada del Penedès, 21).

When 26-year-old entrepreneur Borja Poal tells the story of the origins of the business he started with his partner Berta Argenté, he recalls how, even as a child, he was thrilled to sandwich his grandmother's succulent stews between two pieces of bread. He likes to talk about haute cuisine sandwiches and is thrilled that customers return for the quality of these creations, which are sold on-site and to take away from his two locations. The first opened in Calella de Palafrugell (Calle de la Vela, 1), and the second opened in Barcelona just a few months ago.

The first one opened in Calella de Palafrugell (Calle de la Vela, 1), and the second one in Barcelona, ​​just a few months ago.

The tight schedule, ensuring everything is perfect and employees feel comfortable doing their jobs, makes this an exemplary company of social inclusion. But as important as that is, because those who are part of this human chain are people at risk of exclusion—ex-convicts, people who have suffered from addiction problems, or women victims of gender violence—this is something Poal doesn't usually tell customers until they've given in to the sandwiches.

This entrepreneur stars in the latest episode of the podcast " Quédate a comer," where he shares his business and social work and his story of success.