Cibo Sold to Gloria Jean’s

… A Match Made in Coffee Hell?

I’ll admit it. I’m a serial stalker of businesses for sale. It’s borderline creepy how often I scroll through listing websites, analysing customer trends and business opportunities. One name that’s been popping up repeatedly on these sites is Cibo. Locations like Hutt Street, O’Connell Street, and Henley Beach have been lingering there for months. So, when I heard Cibo had officially been sold, I wasn’t surprised.

But Gloria Jean’s? Tim Tam-stuffed, Starbucks-wannabe, Gloria Jean’s? My soul (and taste buds) wept a little.

Cibo isn’t just a coffee chain. It’s Adelaide wrapped up in red-and-white cups. It’s quick catch-ups over espresso, indulgent cheesecake at Henley Square, and that distinct Italian vibe we all loved (even if it was a bit overpriced). To see it rebranded as Gloria Jean’s? It feels like swapping out a handmade gelato for a pre-packaged ice cream sandwich.

The Deets on Cibo’s Sale

Here’s the scoop. Retail Food Group (RFG)—owners of Gloria Jean’s, Donut King, and Michel’s—has acquired Cibo Espresso for $2.7 million. The deal includes 22 Cibo locations, 18 of which are family-owned franchises, while the remaining four are company-owned. RFG plans to convert all of these into Gloria Jean’s outlets by mid-2025, investing $1.3 million into rebranding and equipment upgrades to incentivise franchisees to make the switch.

For a company whose tagline is about becoming the “most visited beverage destination in the world,” this acquisition fits their strategy. But for locals? It’s hard not to see it as erasing one of Adelaide’s beloved staples.

Cibo’s Legacy

Cibo Espresso was founded in Adelaide in 2000 by Roberto Cardone, Salvatore Pepe, Angelo Inglese, and Claudio Ferraro. What started as an offshoot of their North Adelaide restaurant quickly became a go-to spot for authentic Italian coffee and gelato. Over the years, Cibo evolved into more than just a café. It became a part of South Australian culture—a little slice of Italy in the city.

And let’s not forget the cheesecake. That fat slice of creamy goodness is iconic.

What’s at Stake

The rebranding isn’t just a blow to nostalgic coffee and cheesecake lovers like me. It could also impact the local economy. Cibo employs hundreds of South Australians directly, with many more jobs tied to the production of its locally sourced coffee, gelato, and food.

The question is, will Gloria Jean’s preserve these jobs and partnerships, or will the changeover mean more cuts in favour of corporate efficiency?

Why This Feels Like a Misstep

Gloria Jean’s has its fan base—I’ll give them that. But it doesn’t have the same cultural resonance as Cibo. Cibo felt local, personal, and distinctly South Australian. Gloria Jean’s, on the other hand, feels…generic. A franchise you hit up when you’re stuck at the airport or a shopping centre and desperate for caffeine.

Even one of Cibo’s founders, Roberto Cardone, has expressed concerns about the transition, calling out the potential for mismatched branding. In areas like Glenelg, where there’s already a Gloria Jean’s, doubling up feels redundant.

The Future of Cibo (or What’s Left of It)

Can Gloria Jean’s win over Cibo loyalists? Doubtful. Consumer trust is earned, not bought, and this move feels more like a corporate land grab than a thoughtful business evolution. While RFG may see financial potential in the acquisition, they’re missing what made Cibo special—its authenticity, its roots, and its loyal community.

For now, locals are rallying. There’s even a petition to save Cibo and preserve its legacy. And yes, I’ve signed it. Whether it gains traction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: much of Adelaide isn’t ready to give up its red-and-white cups without a fight.

What Your Business Can Learn from Cibo

Cibo’s story brings us back to the importance of brand identity. Their local charm and authentic roots made them a staple in South Australia, but without a strong plan to evolve while staying true to their brand, they risk losing the loyalty they spent decades building.

At That Content Agency, we know your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline—it’s the emotional connection you create with your audience. If you wanna grow, rebrand, or simply stay relevant in a changing market, we’ll help you craft messaging that keeps your business on point, real, and unforgettable.

My Final Sip

As someone who’s spent hours in Cibo’s cafés over the years, I can’t help but feel gutted. It’s a reminder that even beloved brands aren’t safe from being gobbled up by faceless corporations. But it also sparks a deeper question: How do we, as consumers, support the businesses that truly represent our communities?

Adelaide deserves better than a Gloria Jean’s takeover. Here’s hoping the people behind this deal realise that before it’s too late.

SIGN THE PETITION!