Cafe Barbera

About Cafe Barbera

Caffè Barbera traces its roots to 1870, when Domenico Barbera opened a coffee house in southern Italy. Six generations of the Barbera family have continued the business, which combines Italian coffee traditions with a modern café format. The brand reports around 38 locations worldwide, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Its first UK café opened in Cobham, Surrey, in July 2022. The supplied information also identifies locations in Barnes, Edinburgh and Chessington, with Bicester and Richmond in the pipeline.

Caffè Barbera is seeking UK area developers interested in opening multiple sites within a region or city. Formats range from compact coffee shops to larger cafés with cooking facilities. Franchise support includes property selection, lease negotiations, barista training and opening promotions. The company has stated an ambition to reach 30 UK outlets over five to ten years; this is a target, not a confirmed opening schedule.

Why franchise with Cafe Barbera

• ✓Italian coffee heritage dating to 1870, maintained through six generations of the Barbera family.
• ✓Around 38 reported locations worldwide give the brand an established international presence.
• ✓Four reported UK cafés provide a domestic base for further regional development opportunities.
• ✓Area development agreements are designed for partners planning two to five outlets in a territory.
• ✓Property specialists assist with site assessment and lease negotiations before a café opens.
• ✓Dedicated barista training and opening promotions support coffee quality and customer awareness.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	$187,000
Maximum investment	$305,000
Franchise fee	$35,000
Management service fee	6% of gross revenue
Marketing contribution	$350 per month, plus local advertising spend
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Caffè Barbera describes standard coffee shops of approximately 753-1,076 sq ft and larger fast-casual cafés of 1,614-2,152 sq ft. Larger units typically include cooking facilities, while smaller cafés have simpler food preparation areas. Site selection considers visibility, pedestrian and vehicle traffic, nearby businesses and the suitability of high streets or shopping centres. Property specialists can assist with site assessment and lease negotiations.

Training and support

Approved Caffè Barbera franchisees must attend comprehensive in-store training. The brand also offers barista instruction covering coffee preparation, brewing and presentation, delivered by trainers familiar with traditional and modern Italian techniques. Support extends to site selection and lease negotiations through its property team. Franchisees are encouraged to hold a grand opening with promotions, activities and food and drink samples to introduce their café locally.

Operational requirements

Caffè Barbera franchisees operate an Italian-style coffee house using the brand’s décor, service standards and coffee-making methods. Smaller units focus on coffee and simple food preparation; larger formats may have kitchens for cooking. Operators must train staff in coffee preparation, brewing and presentation, and manage local promotional activity. The supplied franchise terms specify a 6% weekly royalty on gross revenue, plus marketing and technology charges and local advertising spend.

Experience required

Caffè Barbera is primarily seeking UK area developers: groups willing to establish multiple cafés in a defined city or region. Its described area development agreement covers two to five locations. Franchisees must attend in-store training and ensure staff can prepare and present coffee to the brand’s standards. The information supplied does not specify mandatory previous hospitality experience, a minimum net worth or a professional qualification; applicants should confirm these directly.

Territory availability