What business is it in?
The coffee-bar market.
What's its form?
Many of the high-street coffee companies have found it hard to turn bums on seats into healthy profit. CaffŠ Nero's turnover for the six months to 30 November 2003 soared 22% year-on-year to £23.5m, with profit increasing threefold to £653,000.
Where is its head office and area of operation?
London is where the branded operation we know today all began in 1997 with five stores. Since then the company has become a national player.
How does the future look?
The company has announced its intention to have 160 stores by May this year, which means it will need a steady stream of new employees to achieve this growth.
What sort of employer is it?
Employing more than 1,000 people, the chain refers to its bar staff as baristas. Not a rude term, but instead a description of a coffee aficionado who "combines, skill, knowledge and artistry to prepare the perfect shot of espresso". Initial training involves all employees receiving a week's tuition on how to serve the very best coffee. The company says working for it is hard but rewarding, and would-be baristas, trainee managers, store managers and head office staff should contact recruitment@caffenero.com or visit www.caffenero.com for more details. Recruitment contact number: 0845 230 5345.
Did you know?
Caffè Nero has been in the UK since 1990, based in South Kensington, London, and was originally based on a small espresso bar in Milan.
What's the company's philosophy?
Caffè Nero's aim is to create a Continental atmosphere, providing a place to meet rather than a fast-food experience, which in time becomes part of the local environment and culture.
Not to be confused with
The Roman emperor who roasted Rome.