In 1837 the Cordinas opened a small coffee shop in Cospicua. Little did the owners know that the outlet would one day be celebrating 175 years of experience and inspiration. Such milestone was celebrated in style this week, with a sumptuous gala evening, studded with some of Malta's best known personalities. On the occasion, amongst other initiatives, a generous donation of €1,750 was also made by the Cordina family and its employees, to H.E. Dr George Abela, President of Malta, in aid of L-Istrina.
During the event, President George Abela spoke about the fact that Caffe Cordina along the years has always maintained a senses of exclusivity and sophistication that locals and tourists alike could always enjoy and partake in. He joked about the fact that the coffee shop is more of a landmark for the local community than the President's Palace in Valletta itself. The bustling outlet is a meeting place for all ages and for all sectors of society, from members of parliament and families, to businessmen and tourists. He also remarked on the ability of the Cordina family to not only maintain a brand that is equivalent to one of the best coffee shops on the island, but has diversified into other fields, including outside catering and production of authentic Maltese products.
A painting commission for the occasion to French artist Alain Despert, was inaugurated on the occasion. The work of art will be on permanent display at the outlet, along with the rest of the art collection that Caffe Cordina hosts, commemorating various moments of Malta's (and the coffee shop's) chequered history.
John Cordina, current proprietor and a sixth generation Cordina, transported the audience back to the days when his ancestors opened the first Caffe Cordina outlet - small coffee shop in Cospicua 175 years ago. At the time surely no one imagined that such an entity would prosper and expand to the business that it is today in the heart of Valletta. John Cordina referred to the fact that it was his late father, Cesare, who took the decision in 1944 to relocate Caffe Cordina to the iconic place in Piazza Regina, where it stands today. He proudly stated that today Caffe Cordina employs around 80 people and these employees are the backbone of the business.
Cilio Bugeja, CEO of Caffe Cordina, presented three awards to Geatano Spiteri, John Taylor and Karistu Baldacchino for their continuous dedicated and loyal service, as employees of Caffe Cordina, in the last 39, 47 and 55 years respectively. Cilio Bugeja pointed out that the success of Caffe Cordina is not only the quality of the items supplied but also the outstanding service rendered by the employees and thus he thanked all the past and present employees.