Winning an Exposed Award is one thing. Winning three in a row? That’s the sort of achievement reserved for true Steel City icons.
And it’s exactly the situation Caffe Tucci now finds themselves in after being crowned Best Café for the third consecutive year. Three straight wins means they’re ineligible to defend the title in 2027, with brother-owners Salvatore and Stefano Capasso instead graduating into the Exposed Awards hall of fame.
It’s a fitting end to a remarkable run for a business that’s gone from a single city centre cafe on Surrey Street to two thriving sites, with Ecclesall Road now firmly part of the Tucci family. However, expansion has never come at the expense of what got them there in the first place.
“The secret?” says Salvatore. “Consistency in the way we approach and treat people. Every year we’re trying to improve ourselves. The competition is always really good, so it’s never something we expect.”
It sounds simple, but spend ten minutes inside either cafe and you’ll see what he means. Regular customers aren’t just familiar faces – they’re greeted by name, their coffee orders are remembered, conversations pick up where they left off and there’s every chance the pair will ask after your other half, your job or how your football team got on at the weekend.
“We love what we do,” adds Stefano. “It’s just who we are – we make that effort because it makes coming to work a better place to be. Why wouldn’t you?”
The Capassos are quick to point out that the trophies aren’t just theirs. Behind every frothy cappuccino and crunchy sfogliatella is a team that’s helped maintain the same standards day in, day out.
“We’re all working very hard,” says Stefano. “Not just me and my brother. My wife, Salvatore’s wife and all our staff. They’re brilliant and keep it all going – we are just the faces!”
Quality is another key factor. Bread arrives fresh every morning, ingredients are delivered daily and only the finest Italian produce is sourced for their famous panini sandwiches.
But what’s next now they’ve completed the hat-trick? Well, apart from extending the outdoor space at their Surrey Street site, Salvatore already has a few ideas.
“Maybe next year, we can hand out the Best Café award, a bit like handing down the torch,” he says. “Or maybe you could create a Sheffield Legends award we could go for? Or what about Best Brotherly Business?”
You have to concede the latter has a bit of a ring to it.
Failing that, however, one thing is for certain: despite a clearly effective business model, don’t expect Caffe Tucci to start appearing in city centres across the country. Sheffield is home and, for the Capasso brothers, that’s where they want the story to stay.
“The most difficult thing in hospitality is finding and keeping the right staff. It has to be right – and we would rather keep two places keep going properly then lose that ethos,” says Salvatore. “Anyway, the heart and soul of Tucci is here in Sheffield. It always will be. “
