Viral Creperie Queues Spark Police Clash in Andorra la Vella

Popular eateries in Andorra la Vella, driven by social media fame, are causing ongoing disruptions with long queues that benefit some neighbors but frustrate others, including a police intervention yesterday at La Creperia de la Rotonda.

Police responded to a disturbance outside the crepe spot on Avinguda Meritxell after the owner of neighboring Records El Matiner tried to open his shop but found crowds blocking the entrance. Staff had placed barriers to mark access, sparking an argument with a waiting customer who was standing in the way with his child. The exchange escalated when the crepe vendor arrived and confronted the neighbor's owner, shouting, "But where should they queue?" and "What do you want me to do, not open today? What fault is it of mine if there are people here?" The neighbor pointed to the opposite sidewalk. Onlookers chanted "envious" at the shop owner as tensions rose. Officers from two patrols arrived, escorted both parties away briefly, and restored order before the creperia reopened.

Records El Matiner staff report severe impacts since the creperia's opening two years ago, with queues from 6pm onward halting their sales. FotoCineColor next door faces litter and navigation issues for customers, though sales remain steady. The crepe vendor's style—playfully insulting filmer customers in Spanish, like "The crepe costs five euros, retard" or "Cash or card, asshole?"—draws crowds from Zaragoza, Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, and Latin America, turning the narrow takeaway into a viral draw.

Hours before the clash, the vendor posted a video on social media joking about hiring "a nightclub bouncer to sort out this damn queue," highlighting the mounting pressure.

Further along Avinguda Meritxell, Cafeteria Balanzen sees 30-minute lines for influencer-hyped coffee and croissants from places like Igualada and Manresa, with its wider pavement easing issues. Manager Florencia awaits council guidance on queue management, while neighbors at Can Vicenç report no problems. On Avinguda Carlemany, L’Informal's crowds boost foot traffic to Krack shoe shop.

The Andorra la Vella council has introduced rules requiring viral businesses to submit queue plans, with fines up to €3,000 for blocking access and possible closures for violations. La Creperia now uses signs and barriers; Balanzen aligns queues neatly. Owners stress difficulties controlling customer behavior.