On a cold winter’s night in our beautiful capital city, the quintessential hang-out to catch up with friends over a glass wine and good bite to eat, has to be Jubilee Cafe. Bettina Paris speaks to restaurant connoisseur Anthony Scicluna, COO of the Jubilee Franchise, to discuss the success of this culinary and cultural venture.
Whenever I make my way into Valletta, visiting Cafe’ Jubilee is a must in my usual routine. Be it for a cup of coffee in the morning, a delicious lunchtime snack in the afternoon or a glass of wine in the evening, I always enter with high expectations and leave with them having been exceeded. As I enter the Valletta Cafe’, my senses are tingled in more ways than one. The sound of music fills my ears, the smell of food tickles my taste buds and my eyes are overwhelmed by the fantastic interior and lighting that gives Cafe’ Jubilee its unique edge. Cafe’ Jubilee is run by Alex, Mario and Anthony Scicluna. Today I am joined by Anthony Scicluna, director of the franchise, for a pot of tea and a discussion regarding the Cafe’s’ success.
“Cafe Jubilee was established in 1998,” Scicluna states. The first Cafe’ Jubilee was established in Gozo, the Scicluna brothers’ birthplace. “It was established with a specific idea in mind, that being to devise it as a brand and in its operation, so that one day it could eventually be replicated,” explains Scicluna. Fifteen years on, Cafe’ Jubilee is now located in Gozo, Valletta, and Gzira. It is also recognized internationally, as it is also located in Budapest Hungary, resulting in a total of 4 Café Jubilees.
It is a cafe’ that mainly serves Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine. Scicluna explains that Jubilee foods focus on manufacturing traditional and genuine products. Such an approach is mainly achieved through acquiring the raw material and ingredients such as goat’s cheese and fruit from local farms. “Everything is manufactured and packed by hand”’ he adds. This gives Jubilee foods that unique touch which sums up the entire culinary experience one experiences when tasting the products.
However, Cafe Jubilee is not just your average bistro. It also serves as a charitable society and acts as a stage for live musicians and bands. Scicluna describes that all the cafes’ in essence serve to unite different cultures, ages and tastes. “It is imperative that Cafe Jubilee offers a timeless atmosphere, ideal for all to enjoy”. This he achieves by organising weekly live music performed by local talent, combined with wholesome, homely food, and attentive, professional service which is built upon a friendly rapport with the customers. ’Consistency is key the key to success’, is Scicluna’s motto.
For Scicluna, the balance between marriage and family has not been an easy task. “Marriage and family came at a later stage in my life, affecting me personally as well as business-wise”. Cafe’ Jubilee had been established nationally prior to Scicluna’s first born, meaning that time with the family had to be determined via correct time management. “I had to create a time-frame where I could be a father to my family, and maintain the standards of the cafe’”. However, Scicluna cannot refrain from appreciating the role his wife takes on in the home. “She dedicates all her time to the kids”, he says, “ although I do my best to be present as much as possible as I believe in direct family upbringing and strong core family values”.
When asked what’s next in store for Cafe Jubilee, Scicluna explains to me that as far as business ventures go, the main aim is to build and improve on what the Cafe’ as a whole has achieved at present. This will allow for better preparation and planning for what is to come. Scicluna is then quick to say that the future will always remain a mystery, and the temptation to challenge oneself and the company will always be there. With his infectious chuckle, he concludes “Let’s be cautious, wait and see what the future has in store for my brothers and myself!”
Café Jubilee can be found at The Strand in Gzira, Library Street in Victoria (Gozo), and in St. Lucia Street in Valletta.