Overview
After a remarkable 26 years, the Grossi family, stalwarts of the Melbourne hospitality industry, have announced they will hand over custodianship of their restaurants before the end of the year. The Grossi family intend to continue their involvement in the industry through mentoring, initiatives and partnerships that support the next generation of hospo professionals.
The Grossi family venues include Grossi Florentino, Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar, Ombra and Arlechin. While new custodians are set to take the reins, continuity of service and culture will remain a focus across all venues. Grossi Florentino, Guy Grossi's flagship fine diner, will return to its original name, Florentino. The establishment, founded in 1928, is one of Melbourne's longest-standing dining establishments, and it continues to prove its resilience with another change in leadership.
Reflecting on the impressive 26 years overseeing Florentino, Guy Grossi says, "That is a significant period in any person's life. Our purpose has always been to bring people together and make them feel good with every interaction. We feel privileged to have served in these extraordinary venues for so long and to share our family history with so many. As our family looks to the future, this is not about stepping away but embracing a new chapter. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to the hospitality industry, Melbourne, the craft of cooking, and the traditions that have shaped us. For me, that means continuing to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Italian dining, while also ensuring the knowledge, values and passion we've built are passed on to the next generation."
Other members of the Grossi Group include Liz Rodriguez, Co-Owner and Managing Director, Carlo Grossi, General Manager, Chris Rodriguez, who has served as Executive Chef, Melissa Grossi, who has contributed to operations and creative development and Loredana Grossi, who oversees branding, communications and partnerships.
Rodriguez says, "It's not just a business, it's a craft. It's about bringing people together through amore e cultura [the group's philosophy of love and culture]. I love this business, the people who come here, and giving our team a pathway in the industry they love. I've done this for 27 years; it's not always easy, but when you're passionate, you get excited. I look forward to continuing my creativity and contributing more broadly to the industry as a whole. I remain committed to supporting the next generation and making a meaningful contribution for years to come. Importantly, the Grossi restaurant family will continue through other initiatives in the industry."
Images: Michael Pham, Kate Shanasy.
The Grossi Group restaurants will continue to trade as usual in the lead-up to the change of custodianship. Details for a special event on Sunday, November 9, will be released shortly. If you're hungry now, check out the best restaurants in the CBD.