Autogrill's Puro Gusto makes US debut with Washington DC store

Puro Gusto operates 30 stores in ten countries | Photo credit: Autogrill

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Italian-inspired coffee chain Puro Gusto has made a break for the US market, opening a store close to the White House and National Mall in Washington DC. According to a press release, the new store will serve Lavazza espresso, American filter coffee, nitro and cold brew, alongside a breakfast, lunch and evening Italian food menu.
 
“This first location in Washington DC brings our tried-and-true Italian concept into what is already a vibrant restaurant community we’re excited to become a part of,” said Frank Sickelsmith, Head of Puro Gusto NA.
 
“We hope to become a fast favourite for locals and tourists alike seeking a welcoming place any time of day and look forward to expanding further across the country in the years ahead,” Sickelsmith added.
 
Puri Gusto operates 30 locations in ten countries around the world. It is owned by Italian travel food and beverage operator Autogrill, which owns and licences a portfolio of more than 300 food and beverage brands.
 
The café chain joins other prominent international coffee business that have set their sights on the US market over the past year. In April 2021, Italian coffee roasting giant illycaffè announced new North American leadership to grow its share in the US retail coffee market.
 
In May 2021, Vietnam’s TNI King Coffee made its US debut with a store in California, pledging to operate 100 coffee shops in the country by 2022. That month, Turin-based Lavazza announced plans to upgrade an existing production facility in Pennsylvania to increase its competitive edge in the US market.
 
In June, Japanese boutique coffee chain % Arabica entered the US market with a store in New York. In July, German coffee roaster and coffee chain Tchibo commenced a partnership to sell retail coffee products at 188 Jewel-Osco supermarkets across the US.