Grossi | End of a Chapter

October 2025 The End of a Chapter, The Grossi Family Passes ​​​​​​​Custodianship of Melbourne Venues The Grossi family, operators of Grossi Group, which includes Grossi Florentino, Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar, Ombra and Arlechin, announce a handover of the custodianship to take place before the end of the year. As part of the transition, Grossi Florentino will return to its original name, Florentino, while maintaining the traditions, and atmosphere that have defined the institution for decades. Continuity of service, culture, and guest experience will remain central across all venues. Founded in 1928 as Café Florentino, the Bourke Street restaurant has cemented its place as one of Australia's longest-standing dining institutions. Under the Grossi family's custodianship since 1999, the restaurant has celebrated landmark anniversaries, including its 95th, hosted the Melbourne Cup Tour for 21 consecutive years, and welcomed cultural icons, international artists and political leaders. Last year, the family celebrated 25 years at the helm of Grossi Florentino. Its dining rooms have provided the setting for countless personal milestones and community gatherings, reinforcing its role in Melbourne's cultural fabric. The Grossi Group has also served as a training ground for a significant number of hospitality professionals who have gone on to shape the industry as chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs in Australia and abroad. This commitment to nurturing talent has reflected the family's philosophy of 'Amore e Cultura' (love and culture), where food, heritage and community are brought together. Reflecting on the transition, Guy Grossi, Chef and Co-Owner, shares, "Our family took custodianship of Florentino in 1999, 26 years ago. 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." Liz Rodriguez, Co-Owner, adds, "It's not just a business, it's a craft. It's about bringing people together through Amore e Cultura. 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." Carlo Grossi, General Manager of Grossi Group, has also played a central role in shaping the guest experience across all venues. With an inherited passion for hospitality, he is known for his beautiful service, attention to detail and genuine care for both guests and his team. As a consummate host, Carlo has overseen the refinement of service standards that have defined the Grossi dining experience today, ensuring that warmth, excellence, and authenticity remain at the heart of every interaction. As a genuine family business, Chris Rodriguez has collaborated closely with Guy for several decades, serving as Executive Chef, trusted colleague, and partner in overseeing the food operations of the business. Melissa Grossi has been instrumental in establishing the group from its beginning and assists with day-to-day operations, while also contributing to ongoing creative development. Loredana Grossi is responsible for overseeing branding, partnerships, and communications across all venues, ensuring a cohesive and distinctive identity for the group. Across more than two decades, the Grossi family has overseen the preservation of Florentino's historic features, including the restoration of Napier Waller's 1935 murals in the Mural Room, and the reinvigoration of the Wynn Room, named after wine merchant Samuel Wynn. These efforts reflect their commitment to maintaining the restaurant's history while continuing to evolve for modern diners. The family's leadership has extended beyond the dining room. Guy Grossi was recognised by the President of Italy in 1997 for his contribution to promoting Italian cuisine and culture abroad and received the Melbourne Award in 2011 for his role in shaping the city's hospitality identity. Liz Rodriguez has also been a leading voice in the industry, advocating for inclusivity, women in leadership, and the evolution of Melbourne's dining culture through her work with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has also been commended as a 'Champion of Change' for her contribution to McAuley Community Services' mission to end family violence and homelessness for women and children. While ownership soon passes to new custodians, the Grossi family will continue to contribute to the hospitality industry through mentoring, initiatives and partnerships that support and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals. Please join us in the following weeks to experience the Grossi family's hospitality in our much loved venues Florentino, Grill, Cellar Bar, Ombra and Arlechin. We look forward to hosting you and celebrating our tenure with you.