This is a fun little campaign by La Marzocco highlighting their venerable Linea espresso machines. First released in the 1990s, these boxy, utilitarian beauties were the mainstay of Starbucks’ big expansion after they went public, and have been (and still are) the backbone of many an indie cafe despite all the fancy new machines you often hear about:
For many people, the Linea holds a great deal of nostalgia – it may have been the first espresso machine they learned to prepare espresso on, or it was the first machine they purchased, or they have incredible stories about the Linea’s ability to deliver in the highest-volume situations. The Linea Love campaign invites the specialty coffee community to share their fondest memories, and what the Linea means to them.
There’re quite a few interesting and amusing reads as coffee pros from companies like Intelligentsia, Stumptown, Coava, Ecco, and more reminisce about their beginnings in coffee and their experiences with the Linea. Brew up a fresh pot of coffee and read more over at Linea Love. If you’re a barista, share your own story to receive a Linea Love shirt.
A few highlights:
Gwilym Davies, Prufrock Coffee & 2009 World Barista Champion
Terry Patano, DOMA Coffee
Michael Philips, Handsome Coffee Roasters & 2010 World Barista Champion
Kevin Knox, Coffee Specialist at Starbucks during their initial expansion – interesting read!
And a little bit of Nick Cho humor:
