Former Italian Footballer to Open Unique Coffee Bar
News Release
22nd October 2013
A former professional sportsman will be swapping footballs for focaccia when he opens an authentic Italian bar in Lincoln in November.
Giovanni Carchedi (29), who started his career at Nottingham Forest FC before being transferred to Grimsby Town, is fulfilling a long-held dream of setting up his own business.
Gio, whose family originates in southern Italy, wants to bring the country’s unique coffee culture to Lincoln.
“Drinking coffee is a way of life for the majority of Italians who love to stop by their favourite bar for a quick espresso boost before work or take their time over a frothy cappuccino and a pastry,” he explained.
“Italians are all about spending time with family and friends sharing life, laughter conversation and a beautiful cup of coffee.”
The new bar in St Benedict’s Square will be called Bar Unico and as well a delicious blend of coffee it will also sell biscotti, pastries, aperitivi, focaccias and pizza by the slice - all freshly made to takeaway or enjoy on the premises.
To provide a more authentic experience Bar Unico will also serve real Italian gelato (ice cream) and will be licensed to serve alcohol. The drinks menu will include selected beers, wines, spirits and Italian-style cocktails or aperitivi - traditionally served with a colourful and tasty selection of stuzzichini (nibbles).
Bar Unico will be open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
Gio, who still plays football for Lincoln United, said he chose the name to reflect the ethos of the business.
“I knew as soon as I announced my plans people might question whether Lincoln needs another Italian but as the name suggests Bar Unico will be unique in that it will be the city’s first traditional Italian-style bar.
“In Italy, the bar is the centre of social life, and Italians tend to go there not necessarily to drink alcohol, but in the morning for a coffee and a biscotto and again in the early evening for an aperitivo or gelato or often just as an excuse to have a get-together!”
Gio will be setting up the bar with the help of his mum Diana who is well known in the county for her charity work. In 2006 Diana set up 3D Youth Services, a not-for-profit community interest company providing bespoke support services to children and families in Lincoln and surrounding areas and was presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2010.
Similarly Gio, whose professional football career came to an end after he suffered a serious knee injury, worked for two years as a teaching assistant at the Kisimul Schools for children with autism.
He’s now hoping to be able to offer some of the pupils work experience placements at the bar and is keen to work with other local charities which help people with learning difficulties.
“Gio and I enjoy looking after people and share a passion for cooking and entertaining,” explained Diana. “Our aim is to provide a warm and welcoming environment where people can come and enjoy excellent quality food and drink as well as the very best in personal service.”
To keep up-to-date with the latest news you can follow Bar Unico on Twitter @bar_unico and on Facebook www.facebook.com/BarUnico
Ends
Photo/interview opportunity
Gio successfully applied for a Start-Up Loan through NBV Enterprise Solutions to help finance the new business and has been selected to attend the launch of Virgin StartUp with Richard Branson. This new venture, supported by the StartUp Loans Co. and delivered by Virgin and the Cavendish Group, will be officially unveiled at a breakfast event at 9.30am on Thursday 24th October at BOXPARK in London. If you would like to receive photographs from this event or to interview Gio beforehand please email kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk or call 01522 528540.
Kate Strawson
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @KateStrawson
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