A NATIONWIDE snack-bar favourite has now changed its name, with revamped signs set to go up on existing premises and already in place for recently-opened branches.
A branch of 100 Montaditos in El Ferial shopping centre in Parla, Madrid region (ElFerial.es)
The chain known as 100 Montaditos ('Cien Montaditos') is a cheap and satisfying way to fill your face – a list of over 100 different types of miniature baguette sandwiches, with a vast array of savoury fillings and a handful of sweet ones, vegetarian and vegan options, and customised according to choice of bread, come in at anything from €1 to €2 each.
Diners rip a menu sheet off a notepad on their table and tick the boxes for the ones they want to order, placing a number next to them if they want several of the same, add their name and take it to the counter; within 10 or 15 minutes at the most, their name will be called and the plateful of baguette-ettes delivered.
Ideal for a cheap lunch or afternoon snack, in an informal tavern-like setting, branches of 100 Montaditos can be found on high streets in large towns or in shopping centres and airports.
The first premises of the brand owned by hospitality firm Restalia opened in 2000 on a beach esplanade in Islantilla (Huelva province, Andalucía), and spread like wildfire across Spain due to its affordable fare, high-quality ingredients and simple concept.
An example of 100 Montaditos' fare - a feast like this would typically cost around €10 to €15 and be enough for two to four people (photo: Kent Wang/Wikimedia Commons)
Now, around a quarter of 100 Montaditos' franchise holders have a minimum of two premises, and a massive expansion starting a decade ago has led to over 700 branches trading worldwide.
The majority of these are in Spain, but the last few years has seen 100 Montaditos spread into Portugal, Italy, France and México.
Founder José María Capitán says the idea that became a cheap but healthy fast-food restaurant in Islantilla 22 years ago is now 'a total and utter success' and shows no signs of slowing down.
From 2022, however, it will have a different name – albeit a recognisable one, so the public will know what to expect and not think the chain has shut down and a new restaurant network opened in its place.
It is now being rebranded '100 Montaditos Sevilla Tapas', which paves the way for expanding upon the mini-baguette-sandwich menu and adding other types of snacks to it.
“Sevilla is a universal city and tapa is one of the most famous food-related words on earth,” explains Capitán.
Despite the firm's having originated in the province of Huelva, the 'Sevilla' reference is a nod to Capitán's own city of birth.
