Not comparable in size to the large chains, but I'd like to introduce a smart Italian style concept coffeeshop mini chain to FT. No ties whatsoever to the owners or management.

Galestro is surprisingly the brainchild of a German entrepreneur in Cologne. I've visited their coffeeshop at Cologne Central Station fairly often when in town and as the staff is all Italian thought that it's a family run shop. In the best sense of the word.

You get Italian coffee specialities, snacks and pastries, Italian and local press and some alcoholic drinks from Bella Italia. Interiors are modern, stone and metal mostly. Very pleasant and civilized feel.

I do think they'd be open to franchises elsewhere.

http://galestro.com/contenido-4.4.5/...nt_content.php