Hi and welcome to the forum. Thanks for the message. As like the rest of the world Gran Canaria is suffering from the recession, if you can speak spanish then things will be easier for you, can you?
Lot's of bars and restaurants have either closed for a chunk of the summer or have shut down due to the economic crisis but there are still some going strong.
My advice would be to check the area out before you up sticks and leave, book a 2 week holiday and scout the area to see if there are opportunities that would suit you. Get your hands on RTN english newspaper, which circulates on the island and has a small business section, also Tips And Info mini gazette has info and adverts from real estate to jobs and business.
Hope this helps you out a little and if you have any other questions please contact me or check out the main forum.

Thanks Vikki