Cafe Barbera: 147 Years of Italian Coffee Tradition Now In Manila
After 147 years in the business, the Barbera family proudly opened their first coffee shop in Manila, Philippines on Sept. 14, 2017. Cafe Barbera Manila is located in the Uptown Parade Complex, a hip, new bustling development in Bonifacio Global City (Metro Manila).
The brand was brought into the Philippines in partnership with a local company run by Mr. Vartan and Ms. Maricel Tekeyan. Tekeyan Coffee House will serve as the local franchise owners of the Cafe Barbera Brand.
Proudly family-owned since 1870
Despite now having stores in 16 countries in 5 continents, the Barbera family has maintained a firm grip on the brand’s connection with the family. In fact, 6th generation owner Enrico Jr. Barbera flew all the way to Manila to take part in the grand opening of their latest franchise.
Enrico Jr. Barbera with Ms. Maricel Tekeyan and Mr. Vartan Tekeyan
According to Enrico Jr., he and his cousin Elio Barbera are continuing the family business started way back in 1870 by family patriarch Domenico Barbera.
Passing down recipes and restaurant businesses through generations of one’s family is the heart of what gives Italy one of the most proud, unique and colorful dining traditions. Cafe Barbera was able to perfectly combine the warmth and personal touch of a family-owned business with the efficient consistency and worldwide appeal of a commercialized brand.
What started out as a coffee roasting and distribution business blossomed into coffee shops that serve their special blend exactly the way Domenico Barbera intended it to be done..
After only a decade since opening their first store, Cafe Barbera coffee shops can now be found worldwide.
Hon. Giorgio Guglielmino, the Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, welcomes Cafe Barbera
The charm of Italian dining is best felt in small family-run trattorias and coffee shops where one can see Nonna’s photos on the restaurant wall and the youngest generation of the owner’s family running around doing errands in the store.
While the Barbera family’s bambini are dressed in suits and are eloquently sharing their family’s history in grand openings worldwide, I can’t help but find their connection with a 10-year-old Italian kid that I once saw slicing garlic in the kitchen of one of Napoli’s most famous pizzerias. It all boils down to passing down the family’s legacy, whether it be in a single restaurant or in a worldwide empire.
Thanks to the Tekeyans, locals and Italians living in Manila can have a small slice of true Italian coffee tradition right in the heart of the metropolis.
Ribbon Cutting
In keeping with local traditions, there was also a Catholic blessing during the opening.
A grand opening isn’t complete without the bubbly!
Cafe Barbera also offers a selection of Italian food items and classic breakfast options alongside their coffee creations. There is an extensive list of sandwiches, pizzas and pasta dishes to choose from. Therefore, one can have a full meal alongside coffee made exactly the way you like it.
The Cafe Barbera coffee blend is served here in numerous iterations. You can keep it simple and pure with an espresso shot or go all out with flavored shakes and frappes.
Cafe Barbera’s Latte
The Cappuccino Freddo is a big hit in scorching Manila.
Next time that I’m looking for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the city, I know where to go. I can get my dose of “Il Dolce Far Niente” right here in Cafe Barbera.
See the video from the opening here:
To see their full menu, visit Cafe Barbera on Zomato:
