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Coffee sits at the heart of a long-standing
charitable tradition — the ‘caffè sospeso’ that

sees someone buy two coffees.

Photo / Aliya Izumi

Photo / Eating Europe Cafe

Perhaps that’s why in this city coffee that on an average day around 10 people
is considered a necessity rather than just pay for a suspended coffee and five people
a pleasure. Coffee sits at the heart of a take a receipt to claim a coffee. That num-
long-standing charitable tradition — the ber had been growing in Italy’s then diffi-
‘caffè sospeso’, or ‘suspended coffee,’ that cult economic climate.
sees someone buy two coffees — one for Spreading Kindness across the
himself and a second in advance for some- Globe The simple act of kindness born
one who can’t afford it. in Naples has given its name to a global
A 2017 Netflix documentary, Coffee movement. In 2013 an unemployed Irish-
for All, depicts the purchase of a suspend- man, John M. Sweeney, was looking for
ed coffee as an act of solidary with some- something with meaning and a way to give
one unknown; an anonymous act of kind- back to his community. After stumbling
ness, particular to Naples. across a story about the ‘caffè sospeso’, he
“It’s a different state of mind of Ne- was inspired to start the Suspended Coffee
apolitans and this comes from the city movement. He created a Facebook page
passing through many, hard times in his- and invited cafes the world over to join in.
Case
Study tory, Pasqualotto explained, “whereas in It’s been a huge success. Today, the
1 other parts, especially in the north of Ita- volunteer movement has more than 2,000
ly, this didn’t happen that much.” cafes registered and half a million Face-
Naples’ Tradition of Coffee Pasqualotto, who has been operating The Gran Caffe Gambrinus, one of book followers.
Kindness walking tours of the city’s best cafes and the best-known and most beautiful of the “It’s about more than the coffee,” said
eateries since 2012, said Neapolitans are city’s cafes, collects donations for suspend- Suspended Coffee’s volunteer CEO Shan-
Naples wouldn’t be Naples without very proud of their coffee. Coffee beans ed coffees in a huge traditional Italian non Delatore. “Cafes are at the heart of a
coffee. “Coffee is everything in Naples,” here are traditionally roasted longer than coffee pot. Receipts for suspended coffees community and as such are uniquely placed
said Eating Naples tour guide Francesco elsewhere, giving Neapolitan coffee a are put in the pot and whoever needs it can to be its kindness hub; serving a drink, and
Pasqualotto, “and it’s a very social thing. unique stronger flavor and thicker texture. take one. maybe something to eat, and especially
You always say ‘let me buy you a coffee. Most Neapolitans will tell you it’s the best Gran Caffe Gambinus co-owner Ar- sharing a kind word can save someone’s
Let’s go for a coffee.’” coffee you’ll ever have. turo Sergio told the New York Times in 2014 life — it truly can.”

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