Italy’s oldest barista, who has served coffee since WWII, turns 101

John Yang:

Finally tonight, Italy's oldest barista.

John Yang (voice-over):

From 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening, Anna Possi does what she's been doing for more than 80 years, brewing espressos and serving coffees.

Anna Possi, Owner, Bar Centrale (through translator):

I have customers who are now grandparents and come in with their grandchildren saying, Anna, do you remember when there was a dance floor outside, when there was a jukebox and pinball machines? Those were different times. Now they're only memories.

John Yang (voice-over):

She first did this sort of job at the end of World War II, when she went to work in her uncle's restaurants.

In 1958, Possi and her husband opened Bar Centrale in the small town of Nebiuno on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. Since her husband died in 1974, she's been on her own.

Anna Possi (through translator):

It's a bit like a family here, you know. It doesn't feel like a bar to me. It feels like a meeting place. People come in, some come to run an errand, others come and ask me. Do me a favor. Could you get your daughter who works in the town hall to bring me my identity card?

Sure. I'll come and get it tomorrow. Then there's the other one who says, please, if you see the doctor, get me a referral. I'll leave you the prescription. All right. I'm always available for everyone.

John Yang (voice-over):

Possi plans to remain available. She has no intention of retiring. She's among the growing number of Italians who are centenarians, the vast majority of them women. Today is Possi's 101st birthday.