Analysis: Italian Espresso Bars Offer Business Lessons on Simplicity
April 17, 2026 – Craig Turp-Balazs
Italian espresso bars and their affordable coffee provide a valuable lesson for businesses: focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. Located just a short train ride from Turin, the ski resort of Bardonecchia exemplifies this approach, offering simple, budget-friendly options for visitors, largely comprised of Italian locals. The core of the model is straightforward – a quick espresso, costing just €1.50 or €2, served with minimal fuss.
Baristas handle approximately 132,000 coffee orders daily, reflecting a national habit of consuming around six billion cups annually. This simplicity extends to the limited menu – espresso, cappuccino (primarily before midday), and occasionally a macchiato – and fixed prices, barring tourist hotspots. This “full, beans” approach mirrors successful strategies employed by other companies.
Ryanair, for example, operates on a single aircraft type, offering basic fares and charging extra for ancillary services. Similarly, Aldi’s grocery model focuses on a drastically reduced product range, primarily own-brand items, streamlining operations and driving down costs. Economists describe this as “value capture,” maximizing returns through focused efficiency.
Firms like IKEA and ASML have built global empires by resisting the temptation of complexity, prioritizing a single, expertly executed product or service. Dieter Rams’ design philosophy emphasizes “as little design as possible,” highlighting the difficulty of resisting the allure of expansion while maintaining core strengths. Ultimately, the Italian espresso bar demonstrates that simplicity, achieved through ruthless efficiency and a focused offering, can be a powerful driver of success.
Topics: #full #beans #italian
