“We are devastated,” says Paolini. “The pandemic has affected everyone, but we couldn’t benefit from various benefits.” The brand had a turnover of more than $10 million in 2019 but suffered a decline of 80% of sales in 2020. They have not received any benefits from the state since the first lockdown started, and Caffè Florian is eligible for receiving just $190,000 in government funding.
Paolini notes that the café is still alive, “albeit dying,” and is surviving thanks to the help of shareholders and help from the bank, including a line of credit.
“There are no prospects for now, we don’t even know a reopening date.” The cafe currently employs a staff of 70, plus seasonal staff during peak seasons. “We are concerned about the future,” adds Paolini. “If the café is closed, you wouldn’t miss just a coffee, but a piece of Venice.”
Andy Warhol at Caffè Florian.
Photo: GRAZIANO ARICI / Courtesy of Caffè FlorianRecently, the Italian Post Office created a stamp to honor the café’s tercentenary, despite its current struggles. The stamp was sketched and engraved by Italian artist Rita Fantini, depicting the café’s façade with the palace in the background; only 400,000 copies were printed.
The café is also a luxury brand with outposts abroad. It has six stores across Asia and plans to open in Japan, once it finds the right partner. People can certainly help the café by shopping on the online gift shop, which boasts a variety of products, from historic books to teacups, perfume, silk scarves, and ground coffee.
“Celebrating the 300th anniversary of a business with doors closed is a symbol of this crisis in Venice, and of the cities of art, in general,” says Paolini. “This crisis is not only economic but historical, as Caffè Florian is a piece of Italian history known throughout the world.”
"danger" - Google News
January 18, 2021 at 08:05PM
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Venice’s Storied Caffè Florian Is in Danger of Closing - Architectural Digest
"danger" - Google News
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