Not sure if anyone had posted this yet. If so, apologies. But if you happen to be in Rome, you can now enjoy a delicious espresso in the Ducati Caffe.
http://www.selectism.com/news/2009/01/12/ducati-opens-first-cafe-in-rome/ (http://www.selectism.com/news/2009/01/12/ducati-opens-first-cafe-in-rome/)
Molto bene!!! [drink] <- espresso sedici :D
I vote no.
just make bikes more better, more faster, more inexpensive.
leave the cafe to cafe people.
stuff like this helps fund research to do just that.
Quote from: Raux on January 15, 2009, 08:18:07 AM
stuff like this helps fund research to do just that.
Not if the business is run correctly.
The cafe, should support itself, and any profits from it should go back into growing more cafes.
Bike r&d should come from bike sales.
If Ducati is using cafe profits to help push racing/bike development...... they be grasping at straws.
(http://library.nevada.edu/arch/graphics/RobertTayco/thestrip/HarleyCafe.jpg)
same as [puke]
In Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson has their H-D Museum, it hosts 2 different restaurants and is a separate entity than H-D Motor Co. The food there is provided by an on-site contracted catering company. Didn't read the link, but I'm assuming Duc Cafe would be set up the same (business wise) as Motor and Cafe Racer (HD restaurants). Just my $.02
by profession, I'm a marketing guy. I'm not hating the idea of the cafe because to build a brand, you need to provide consumers various ways to experience and interact with it. Since we are talking about a motorcycle brand, not everyone is going to jump on a bike to get the 'ultimate' experience right away. But you can try to push people in the direction of that. Which is where the cafe comes into play.
HOWEVER, it needs to be done right. Is this idea from Ducati a good one? I think all we can really say given the information we have right now, is maybe. But from the sounds of it, it could work fine in Italy. If they tried that here in the US, I am not so sure it would be appropriate. Bottom line is, I'd go at least check it out and then form my final opinion.
if you're on a Ducati outside a Starbucks, you're a poser.
what are you if you're at the Ducati Cafe?
Quote from: lauramonster on January 15, 2009, 03:15:11 PM
if you're on a Ducati outside a Starbucks, you're a poser.
what are you if you're at the Ducati Cafe?
a resop
Quote from: lauramonster on January 15, 2009, 03:15:11 PM
if you're on a Ducati outside a Starbucks, you're a poser.
what are you if you're at the Ducati Cafe?
:o ... and if your stopped at your favorite Italian cafe; in your favorite Italian neighbourhood; sipping a cappuccino with some panitoni - I'd say you were in the right place.
If you were at starbucks you may be a poser .... BUT one of the nicest places to hangout on a Friday early evening in the summer is at a main intersection in my City infornt of the starbucks and compare bikes; swap stories (a ducati would be one of many brands) ... and your not getting drunk and riding.
Damn - so I'm a poser when I ride to Starbucks to study in my little town?
OH GOD... I DIDN'T KNOW!!! [cheeky]
Quote from: swampduc on January 15, 2009, 04:07:33 PM
Damn - so I'm a poser when I ride to Starbucks to study in my little town?
OH GOD... I DIDN'T KNOW!!! [cheeky]
poser! [cheeky]
In these times, companies need all the revenue they can get.
Face it, if you ride anything bigger than 600cc bike your being a poser [moto]
I'd rock the cafe. The place looks like I would want to hang out there.
There I said it, I must be a poser.
Quote from: Ducnial on January 15, 2009, 06:11:07 PM
Face it, if you ride anything bigger than 600cc bike your being a poser [moto]
Where did you come up w, that conclusion ? Dolph
Ferrari has a coffee bar at the Ferrari Dealership and I think that's nice. I can drink one of many different kinds of coffee while I droll on the cars.
If Ferrari had a stand alone coffee bar located just out somewhere in a high traffic area I'd be scratching my head wondering WTF !
If it was a Boutique selling Ferrari branded items and coffee as well as Sorbet and Italian Food , then that might be ok. Dolph
If I am in Rome, I will definately stop by.
The shop that works on my bike always has espresso. [thumbsup]