A Suspended Coffee For Your Fellow Coffee Drinker

The Italian tradition of a Caffè Sospeso, or Suspended Coffee, is a meaningful way to help a stranger who needs help getting their Italian coffee fix.

One of my favorite transitions that is a part of Italian coffee culture is the Caffè Sospeso, or Suspended Coffee. While not a possibility in every bar in Italy, in many bars you can order a separate espresso that is made available to anyone in need.

What Is A Suspended Coffee?

In some bars the receipt is given to the barista and held onto when requested, and in other cases, like in Gran Caffè Gambrinus, there is actually a pretty ornate vessel placed by the door into which someone can put the receipt for the next patron who can use some help.

As I write this, I now realize the intention in Gran Caffè Gambrinus. The metal structure that holds the receipts is placed by the door to add just a bit more privacy for the person who needs it. A classy move in a great bar in Naples.

Caffè Sospeso: A Tradition of Kindness Rooted in Italian Culture

The “caffè sospeso,” or suspended coffee, is a heartfelt Italian tradition originating in Naples. It embodies a unique blend of generosity and community spirit, encapsulating the essence of Italian culture. This article explores its historical roots, resurgence, and contemporary relevance across Italy and beyond.

Who Started The Suspended Coffee?

The concept of caffè sospeso dates back to early 20th-century Naples, particularly in the working-class cafés of the city. Southern Italy has been traditionally poorer than the northern cities and poverty could always be a part of your life in Naples.

Patrons who experienced good fortune would pay for two coffees but consume only one, leaving the second for someone unable to afford it. The tradition gained traction during World War II, a time of widespread poverty, as a simple yet profound gesture of solidarity and compassion.

Luciano De Crescenzo, an Italian writer, film actor, director and engineer, helped immortalize this custom in his book “Il Caffè Sospeso: Saggezza Quotidiana In Piccoli Sorsi”, framing it as a philosophy of life centered on sharing joy and humanity.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus, one of Naples’ historic cafés and one that you must visit on your next trip to Naples, played a key role in popularizing this tradition. Here, the suspended coffee system involves patrons leaving receipts for prepaid coffees in a bronze pot, which are later claimed by those in need.

Revival Of The Suspended Coffee

Like most charitable giving, it waned during Italy’s economic boom. However, the caffè sospeso experienced a revival in the 21st century. The Suspended Coffee Network (Rete del Caffè Sospeso) was established to promote this practice, and since 2011, December 10th has been celebrated as the “Day of the Suspended Coffee”.

Today, the tradition is observed not only in Naples but also in cities across Italy, with different implementations of this concept. Some cafés use visible markers, such as signs or dedicated jars, to signal their participation. 

Others extend the concept beyond coffee, offering prepaid meals, books, or even haircuts. This expansion has made the tradition relevant to broader acts of kindness.

The Suspended Coffee In Other Italian Cities

Different Italian cities have adopted caffè sospeso with localized variations:

• Naples: As the birthplace of the tradition, Naples remains its spiritual home. Many cafés proudly uphold the practice, seeing it as an integral part of the city’s identity.
• Rome and Milan: These metropolitan hubs have embraced the concept, with upscale and chain cafés joining in to foster a sense of solidarity in urban settings. In addition to only coffee, I have seen some bars and restaurants that extend the practice to other drinks, as well as food.
• Smaller Towns: In tight-knit communities, the practice often extends to include other essentials, reflecting a broader spirit of mutual aid.

The popularity of caffè sospeso has also spread internationally. Countries like Bulgaria, Canada, and Argentina have adopted similar initiatives, adapting the concept to their cultural contexts.

I would love to learn more about how this transition translates to other countries, given the differences between coffee cultures of various countries.

Does Starbucks Do Suspended Coffees?

I normally don’t like to mention Starbucks in my articles because I believe they have done more to destroy Italian coffee culture than any other company in the world. That said, I was curious if this is something that they picked up on, especially since the free coffee doesn’t come out of their pockets.

As best I can tell, there was a movement more than 10 years ago to promote the suspended coffee in Starbucks. This wasn’t a coordinated international movement, but something that focused on the UK. 

Coincidentally, Starbucks, at that time, was involved in a tax avoidance scandal and their embrace of the suspended coffee seems to be virtue signalling, more than an honest effort to support people down on their luck. Again, the cost for the free coffee comes from the other patrons, but I guess Starbucks just couldn’t be bothered.  

Italian Coffee Culture Influences The World With A Suspended Coffee

Caffè sospeso is more than just a cup of coffee, it is an expression of support and community. From its humble beginnings in Naples to its modern-day adaptations worldwide, it stands as a testament to the power of small acts of kindness.