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Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar in Melbourne farewells beloved server Rocco Eliche after 50 years
ABC NEWS (Australia)
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9/21/2024
Melbourne loves coffee and for 50 years one man has been helping refine that passion at one of the city’s most famous cafes, called Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar. But today, one of the CBD’s most beloved baristas has called least drinks.
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00:00
Tying his apron for the final time.
00:05
I've done the 50's, I don't want to do 51 or 52, 50 is beautiful, nice.
00:10
One of Pellegrini's longest serving staff has become an institution in his own right.
00:16
Rocky's part of the furniture here.
00:18
He's Rocco, down the end of the bar with his moustache and a big smile saying welcome to everyone.
00:22
The cafe had one of the first espresso machines in Melbourne when it opened in 1954.
00:28
20 years later, Rocco steps behind the counter as a 21 year old, fresh from the shores of southern Italy, and he never left.
00:37
This is my second home. I spend more time here than at home.
00:41
The job has been filled with the highs of shaking hands with celebrities like Russell Crowe and meeting the love of his life.
00:48
I said to Marie, you do the job in the kitchen, I do the job in the bar.
00:52
You do the cooking, I serve the customer. And we worked together for 34 years.
00:57
But he's also endured tragedy.
00:59
His long time boss, Sisto Malaspina, died in a knife attack on Bourke Street in 2018.
01:06
Number one. Sisto for me is like a brother.
01:09
Now he says it's time to slow down.
01:12
Today, my last day, you see me and you'll never see me again.
01:18
But not everyone is so sure.
01:21
I'll give him two months because I'm still waiting to hear what he plans to do with all of his free time.
01:26
Last week, the City of Melbourne presented Rocco with an award for his 50 years of service.
01:31
But he says the conversation and smiles from customers will always be his true prize.
01:37
Thank you very much.
01:39
The end of an era for one of Melbourne's most steadfast servers.
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