‘I’ve had some breakdowns’: 2GB broadcaster Mark Levy on opening his restaurant, Pronto in Sylvania

Mark Levy is more qualified at eating than cooking. But he’s not expecting that to stop the likes of Paul Gallen and Josh Morris dropping into to his Italian/Balkan style restaurant.

2GB broadcaster Mark Levy works seven days a week on live radio. He’s not afraid of hard work.

However even he admits that opening up a restaurant is another level of stress.

“It’s been a big learning curve. I will admit, I’ve had some breakdowns,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“Opening up a restaurant is very stressful.”

The popular Wide World of Sports host and a team of hospitality mates have opened Pronto in Sylvania.

Pronto’s sous chef Joey Sgaraglino, head chef Rob Garbett, Mark Levy and pizza chef Nicolo Giovanazzi. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The Italian/Balkan restaurant, which is open from breakfast to dinner, is opposite the famous Paul’s Hamburgers on the Princes Highway.

While Levy himself doesn’t have any gastronomical experience and is better at eating a seafood marinara than cooking one, he’s got an top team in the kitchen led by head chef Rob Garbett and Italian Pizza Chef Nicolo Giovanazzi.

The decision to open the venue came when the site, the former home to Mike’s Grill, became available.

“The old restaurant did a gangbuster trade in the day and when it came up, we thought we should have a crack at it,” he said.

“I live in Sylvania so I know the area has been crying out for a restaurant like it.”

The focus is about value for money, Lewvy said.

During the week, the restaurant will have specials which include four pizzas for $60, a schnitzel and a pasta for $25 and a Balkan meat platter for $60.

“It’s not a fancy place where you pay fortune for massive plate with little bit of food on it. We want people to take food home,” he said.

“Midst of cost of crisis at least we want people to know if go to Levy’s joint, you’ll get a good feed.”

The new career path isn’t taking Levy away from his day job. Instead he says when he’s not on air, he will most likely be found at the venue.

“I’ve got a team to run the show but I will be there when I can. But so many people I know said they are going to support the venue,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to come in and have a coffee with. We want it to be a meeting place for people in the Shire.”

Levy is having a VIP launch of the venue on Thursday night, with former Cronulla Sharks players Gallen and Josh Morris in attendance alongside top barrister Margaret Cunneen and Mayor Carmelo Pesce.

While the Sydney hospitality industry is currently on its knees, with Surry Hills up-market Beau the latest venue to close, Levy said the decision to open something was to give back.

“You’re mad if you’re in this [hospitality] business to become a multi-millionaire,” he said. “For us it’s to give back to community and make it a centre for the locals.”

Pronto opens Friday July 26th and will be open from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week.