Florence’s Caffè Giacosa Closes

The modern version of a landmark café  in the heart of Florence will be closing its doors on July 29 along with the fashion boutique which supervised its transformation from ancient marble and velvet upholstered chairs to an ambiance characterized by sleek wood and leather couches. Caffè Giacosa and Roberto Cavalli’s fashion boutique (adjacent on via Tornabuoni) are leaving their soon-to-be former patrons sad with the end especially regarding the beloved cafè.

Caffè Giacosa is a local establishment founded in 1815, and its bartender invented the world famous Negroni cocktail (gin, vermouth, Campari and a twist of orange peel) in the 1920s. After 180 years prospering in its original spot, the new owner, Cavalli, decided to move its location in 2001 to make room for a Roberto Cavalli boutique. Giacosa did not travel far though, moving only next door, but changed its design. Compared to the classic marble counters and antique chairs, it new location took on a sleeker design. Much more minimalistic, yet beautiful.

Roberto Cavalli has experienced falling sales, severely tampering its health as a corporation. It is reported that the company’s sales are down 13.6% — with a loss of 155.2 million euros — causing 200 employees to lose their jobs. There have already been closures of other stores in Madrid, Vienna, and Venice.  The firm will now concentrate in opening in shops in Asia, beginning with Beijing.

The owner of the Giacosa cafè is working on its sale as a brand, but are at the mere beginnings of getting the process started. It is a disappointment to regulars of its closing, but there is hopes of its legacy. As it goes for the fashion store, there is a rumor that another famous fashion house will take its space.

To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.  (jennifer klammer)