More than 100 years of history of the Nisseno bar, left to us by its founder: Michele Bella – il Fatto Nisseno

Caltanissetta remains orphaned of a pillar of the entrepreneurial world of Nisse. Michele Bella, owner of the historic bar of the same name in the heart of Caltanissetta, left us at the age of 97. On the sidewalk in front of Villa Cordova, you can feel sadness as well as the void left by the passing of the man who brought that sidewalk to life with his bar. Who among the people of Nisse and beyond has never had at least one coffee from Bella? Everyone, absolutely everyone, knew that figure of great charisma who sat at the cash register and between a joke and an always kind greeting, made the coffees and the tasting of his gastronomic excellences even sweeter to the palates of the loyal customers.

Its story begins with mother Rosa who sold coffee and chickpeas right where the bar now stands. But the real turning point was when her sister Gaetana, a true “captain” as we Nisseni are used to saying, decided to look after and take her brother Micheliniddu, the youngest of all, under her protective wing.

Michele Bella, who started working at the age of 8, thanks to his brilliant and entrepreneurial mind, transformed the most important bar, roastery and pastry shop in Caltanissetta from a simple street business.

When he met his wife Rossella at the age of 36, he was at the height of his entrepreneurial success. Collaborated and supported by the family. Seven children with whom he created a solid and loving family. Michele, who with his goodness, empathy and sweetness always had a word of comfort for everyone, his door was always open to those in need.

In 2020, mayor Roberto Gambino presented Michele Bella with a plaque to remember and celebrate 100 years of activity, a very important milestone which in the meantime was also strengthened by the honor of Cavaliere del Lavoro awarded to the same entrepreneur from Nisse.

Not just the bar and the family. Her heart also beat for the most important event that involves all the people of Nisse: Holy Week. Michele Bella, under the pressure of Nicola Spena, was one of the founding members of the Piccoli Gruppo Sacri Association. Owner of the Varicedda of the Last Supper, he has always stood out for his love for the procession on Holy Wednesday evening. With his death, not only does he leave a piece of the heart for those who knew and loved him, but also a piece of the entrepreneurial history of Caltanissetta. We are certain that children and grandchildren will be able to run one of the best-known and most appreciated commercial activities in the capital of Nisseno with the same determination and ability as the founder.