The 25-year mark is significant for another reason. The Linea Classic
grew up with specialty-coffee movement in America. The Linea was
closely linked to Starbucks, and as the company went from a small
regional Northwest coffee company to a worldwide juggernaut, the Linea
was right there the whole way. It was the only espresso machine used by
Starbucks during the company's massive retail growth from 1989–2005.
Today, in tribute to the beginnings of the expansion, the original
Starbucks location at the Pike Place Market in Seattle still touts a Linea
Classic. And the Linea continues to be the steadfast workhorse in many
leading cafés across the United States and the world.
"La Marzocco has always distinguished itself for its desire to produce
espresso machines not only for profit, but in consideration of the best
manner by which to obtain an optimal quality cup of coffee," says Piero.
"Everyone knows that perfection is not attainable, but La Marzocco has
always persevered in its attempt to achieve perfection."
To celebrate the release of the new machine, La Marzocco USA
launched Linea Love this past Janurary. The social campaign asked the
specialty-coffee community to share its Linea tributes publicly in story,
poem, song, art work, video, or whatever struck its fancy. You can see
many of the submissions at www.linealove.com.
—Kenneth R. Olson
Piero Bambi continues to work every day in La Marzocco's factory in Florence,
Italy. "To this day, you can see his touch in all the machines that La Marzocco
has and continues to create," says his friend and partner, Kent Bakke.
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