Salvatore Grimaldi, Bianchi President and owner since 1997, and inventor of the “Bianchi Cafè & Cycles” format, explained: “A brand like a Bianchi is so much more than just a bike. It’s a fascinating world spreading passion and fantasy. Being this a return to the roots somehow, we considered opening the Bianchi Cafè in the same Via Nirone where the historical Bianchi’s main site was. But the city has changed, and it would not have been a good idea after all: so we opted to bring Bianchi into the core of Milan, as we are proud of our brand and we are extremely confident this place will become a juncture of Milan’s lifestyle.”
The opening in Milan is an actual turning point for the “Bianchi Cafè & Cycle” project, started in 2010 in Sweden (and present also in Tokyo, Japan) and set to expand all over the World in the next few years, driving the Bianchi style along in a creative and characteristic environment, combining bikes’ charm and Italian top-quality food and wine. The architectural style of Milan’s location – placed in the heart of the city center, next to the World leading design, decor and fashion brands – combines experimentation and innovation while respecting the brand’s tradition.
The structure consists of:
– Ground floor: bike shop (with mechanic workshop and bike fitting)
– Mezzanine floor: exclusive restoration zone (90 sqm)
– Upper floor: another lounge area (60 sqm)
– Lower floor: Vip lounge (60 sqm) for private meetings and open-plan
Just like it happens for bikes, quality will be Bianchi’s byword for its food and wine offer: “Our cellar features no less than 150 selected labels, including some biological and biodynamic wines – Panizza said -. We will set up different menus every day, with a rotation of plates from different areas. The people’s needs will always be in first place: a quicker service for lunch, an assortment or tasty sandwiches, with fresh focaccias being delivered every single morning, along with patisserie; more relax for dinner, with the opportunity to try and taste more sophisticated menus.”
In perfect Milanese style, great attention will be dedicated to the happy-hour “Après Office”, with a wide range of aperitifs and a selection of 50 spritz varieties, all of them being served with finger food, and just as much for the Sunday brunch.
Along with the rich food and wine proposal, a key part of Bianchi Cafè & Cycles experience comes from the discovery of the thrilling Bianchi bikes in a unique store area, where customers will be able to receive lots of information and all the best advice and support to choose the perfect bike. The whole Bianchi bike range – road, mountain bike, city, trekking, junior and electric – will be available in the shop, along with a complete and constantly updated line of parts and accessories, including race and leisure technical wear, new “Bianchi Time Pieces” watches and chronographs with Swiss movement, official Bianchi spare parts. Among the bikes exposed and available for sale, the innovative Infinito CV with NASA-tested Countervail® technology, reducing road vibrations up to 80% thanks to the employment of a special viscoelastic carbon material, providing muscular fatigue reduction and better bike handling. Along the Infinito CV, the further road models will be on show, including Oltre XR2 and XR1, Sempre Pro, Intenso, as well as the wide MTB range, featuring carbon models Methanol, Ethanol and Jab with 27.5” and 29” wheels, also available in full-suspension versions.
Grimaldi’s bright idea, combining the emotion of an outstanding bike to the Italian style and taste, is now a reality. Try it and see: Via Felice Cavallotti 8, Milan.
