Italy’s Oldest Barista, 100-Year-Old Nonna Anna, Continues to Serve Coffee Daily

Anna Possi, who has run her café in Nebbiuno since 1958, exemplifies dedication as Italy’s café culture faces challenges from declining family-run businesses.

Nonna Anna, Italy’s oldest barista at 100 years old, has operated Bar Centrale in Nebbiuno for over 65 years without taking a vacation since the 1950s.
Despite officially retiring in 1984, she continues to work daily, opening her café at 7 a.m. and serving customers year-round, including holidays.
Italy’s café industry is struggling, with 20,000 fewer family-run establishments over the past decade due to long hours, low wages, and rising costs.
Nonna Anna sees her café as more than work, describing it as her life, though she acknowledges its uncertain future as her children are not interested in taking over.
While she remains in remarkable health, Nonna Anna notes changes in social habits, lamenting how customers now focus on their phones rather than engaging in conversation.