A row of coffee drinks lines the counter at the Depot Bar coffee shop during its first day in business Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Leghorn Army Depot in Livorno, Italy. Patrons filtered in to enjoy the hot beverages and catch up with colleagues, despite intermittent rain showers. (Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes)
LIVORNO, Italy — On a rainy day in Tuscany, workers eagerly gathered at the newly inaugurated Depot Bar, a coffee shop located at an Army logistics hub. This establishment is anticipated to foster a sense of community while also enhancing productivity among those who visit.
The Depot Bar at Leghorn Army Depot, situated near Pisa, is the sole Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facility in this area of the Darby Military Community. For over a year, this vital hub had been without such a facility after the previous operator closed its doors.
Following its grand opening on Wednesday morning, news of the bar’s debut spread quickly, according to Todd Smith, MWR’s combined activities manager at the base.
Managed by a local Livorno vendor, the cafe boasts an array of refreshments. An Americano is priced at 1 euro, while a cappuccino is available for just 10 cents more, which is significantly lower than prices at nearby cafes located about 10 to 15 minutes from the base.
This relatively underappreciated facility features 750,000 square feet of warehousing for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other sensitive equipment, plus 1.5 million square feet of outdoor storage to aid commands stationed in Europe, Africa, and further regions.
Maintenance teams occupy dozens of bays at the depot, diligently refurbishing tracked and wheeled vehicles.
Espresso, priced at 90 euro cents, gained notable popularity around noon on the bar’s first day, as patrons savored their drinks while adhering to the Italian custom of standing at the counter.
Just minutes away at Camp Darby, MWR’s offerings are somewhat more extensive, including a community center, library, gym, and sports fields, primarily catering to the American airmen, soldiers, and other personnel.
A cappuccino sits on a table on the patio outside the Depot Bar coffee shop during its first day in business Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Leghorn Army Depot in Livorno, Italy. (Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes)
A statue of a chef greets customers to the Depot Bar coffee shop Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Leghorn Army Depot in Livorno, Italy. The newly opened cafe is the only Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facility on that part of the Darby Military Community, and officials hope it will boost spirits and maybe even productivity at the logistics hub on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. (Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes)
Employees chat over cigarettes and coffee at the Depot Bar during its first day of business Wednesday, May 6, 2026, on Leghorn Army Depot, a logistics hub near Livorno, Italy. (Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes)
Workers from nearby offices, warehouses and trade shops on Leghorn Army Depot gather for a coffee at the Depot Bar during its first day in business Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the base near Livorno, Italy. (Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes)
A customer at the Depot Bar reaches for an espresso shot, during the cafe’s opening day Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Leghorn Army Depot, a logistics hub near Livorno, Italy. (Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes)
Italian workers at the depot typically don’t linger after work to partake in recreational activities, such as softball or basketball, noted Smith.
In the past, a coffee bar at the depot struggled as many workers brought personal coffee machines into their workspaces during the isolating period of the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials are optimistic about the return to communal coffee drinking, believing it can enhance productivity by providing a space for employees to connect and share ideas.
“It serves a purpose, especially at Darby, where there are a greater number of Italians than in Vicenza,” Smith observed.
The Darby Military Community resembles a small town where familiarity thrives, and it is easy to find the right contacts to facilitate tasks, as Smith noted.
“You can accomplish a lot quickly here,” he added.
Key Takeaways
- The Depot Bar is the only Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facility in the Darby Military Community.
- Situated at Leghorn Army Depot, the bar aims to foster community and enhance productivity.
- Drink prices at the Depot Bar are lower than those at nearby cafes.
- Espressos and cappuccinos are particularly popular among patrons at the bar.
- The facility is designed to support Army operations in various regions.
FAQ
What are the operating hours of the Depot Bar?
The operating hours of the Depot Bar are not specified in the article.
Is the Depot Bar open to the public?
The Depot Bar primarily serves the personnel stationed at the Leghorn Army Depot.
What types of beverages are available?
The bar offers a range of beverages, including Americano, cappuccino, and espresso.
Who operates the Depot Bar?
The Depot Bar is managed by a vendor based in Livorno.
The opening of the Depot Bar marks a new chapter for the Leghorn Army Depot, enhancing both the daily experiences of its workers and the community spirit among them. By providing a gathering place, it hopes to inspire collaboration and a sense of belonging.
