Family’s secret recipes fire up new Labrador pizzeria

A new Pizzeria has opened in Labrador.

Owners Mark and Wendy Repaci in front of Rev It Up Pizza at Labrador. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A hospitality family’s bet on community connection is playing out in Labrador, where 1,000 free garlic breads have introduced locals to the area’s newest pizzeria.

Mark and Wendy Repaci opened ‘Rev It Up Pizza’ earlier this month, joining the steady stream of food operators migrating north for the Gold Coast’s year-round trade.

The couple, originally from Wollongong and who already run Mr Yiros in Surfers Paradise and Runaway Bay Lunch Plate, chose Labrador over high-traffic tourist strips for their latest venture.

“I want to look after the locals. That’s why I wanted to buy a shop in a community area – so it’s more personal,” third-generation Italian chef Mr Repaci said.

“We’ve given away about 1,000 garlic breads, and I’ll keep doing it for the next month.”

The 51-year-old’s approach harks back to his grandmother’s era, using her recipes and traditional preparation methods.

“We used to sit in the backyard with the fire and we used to boil the tomatoes and peel them and mince them all up in a grinder,” he said.

“Now my grandmother has passed but all her recipes have stayed with the family.”

And the hot rod-theme reflects Repaci’s passions.

Inside Rev It Up Pizza at Labrador. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Inside Rev It Up Pizza at Labrador. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“I’ve always liked cars – and I always wanted to do a theme like that.

“It’s a bit of me,” he said.

Mr Repaci said Gold Coasters want “quality food and affordable prices” – a challenge as rising commercial rents and labour costs squeeze operators.

But Repaci is determined to make it work.

“We just want to show people good quality food.”

Originally published as Family’s secret recipes fire up new Labrador pizzeria