In 1983, a 30-year-old American man had an awakening of sorts in this vibrant city. You might say he “woke up and smelled the coffee.”

While in Milan on business, New Yorker Howard Schultz was immediately drawn to the coffee bars. He was struck by their relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The warm, rich smell of roasting coffee hung in the air. Customers chatted in a familiar, first-name way with the baristas who made their coffees to order. They ate warm pastries and drank strong espresso. And these places were lively at all hours.