Top 100 CEO Interviews
Issue No. 34 - April/May 2007
Cibo foursome earns its stripes
The Cibo brand, among Adelaide’s most recognisable, had its beginnings in 1996 with the opening of Cibo Ristorante Pasticceria.
The Cibo brand, among Adelaide’s most recognisable, had its beginnings in 1996 with the opening of Cibo Ristorante Pasticceria.
The Cibo Espresso brand hit Rundle Street in December 2000 and the red with white chevrons quickly spread to key parts of the metropolitan area.
2006 was a time of change as the founding partners farewelled their point of origin.
“After 10 years of trading in Cibo Restaurant, we sold the leasehold — without the name of course — marking the end of our beginnings and a new focused plan for the future of Cibo Espresso,” says Roberto Cardone, who is Director, National Branding and marketing manager for the growing chain.
“In celebrating our 10 years of partnership we also rediscovered ourselves and what makes us tick.”
Along with Roberto, Cibo Espresso’s directors are Executive Chef Salvatore Pepe, CEO Claudio Ferraro, and finance manager Angelo Inglese.
It’s apparent that Cibo trades on personality. Roberto was a familiar front-of-house operator at Adelaide landmarks Grimaldi’s and Rigoni’s, while Claudio is the chain’s head pastry chef and Angelo a notable barista.
The four directors have different interests but they are focused on what they want Cibo Espresso to be.
“Hence the selling of Cibo Restaurant and moving on fr...
