Sisto’s son David Malaspina set to take over landmark Melbourne cafe Pellegrini’s
Melbourne institution Pellegrini’s will live on under the Malaspina name after the son of legendary owner, Sisto, pledged to continue his father’s iconic legacy.
VIC News
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Melbourne institution Pellegrini’s is set to be taken over by the son of its slain owner, Sisto Malaspina.
David Malaspina, 38, is in the final stages of negotiations to buy out the landmark espresso bar and cafe on Bourke St from his late father’s long-time business partner and friend, Nino Pangrazio.
Mr Malaspina, who has worked in hospitality for 20 years and runs the Spaghetti Tree restaurant across the road from Pellegrini’s, said he was thrilled the Malaspina name would continue to be associated with the iconic cafe.
It’s understood Mr Pangrazio, now in his 80s, plans to retire.
While the deal had not been completed, Mr Malaspina said he was hopeful it would be closed soon.
“Dad was a city icon and after a lot of hard work and dedication to his customers, it’s nice to have the opportunity to keep Pellegrini’s in the family and bring it back to the way it was with good food and friendly service,” he said. “After many years behind the bar, Nino has decided to hang up his apron and step back.”
Much-loved Pellegrini’s identity Sisto Malaspina died in the Bourke St. terrorist attack on November 9 last year.
The restaurateur was murdered by terrorist Hassan Khalif Shire Ali after he crashed a vehicle loaded with gas bottles in the CBD and went on a stabbing frenzy, fatally wounding Mr Malaspina, who was out buying chocolates for a staff party to celebrate the birth of David’s daughter and his first granddaughter, Sofia.
Sisto Malaspina and Nino Pangrazio purchased Pellegrini’s in 1974 and owned and operated it together - with the families owning equal shares - for decades.
Mr Pangrazio declined to comment on the sale on Saturday.
The planned buyout comes as Pellegrini’s cook and cake maker for 20 years, Lucia Cefala, organises a major memorial event in honour of her late boss.
Money from the event will go to the Salvation Army and Save the Children charities.
Ms Cefala said staff and customers still spoke often of Sisto, and his spirit seemed to be present in the cafe.
“We hear his footsteps every day. Early in the morning, when it is quiet and there is nobody around, we can hear Sisto’s footsteps upstairs, walking around,” she said.
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“He’s there with us all the time. People might say ‘oh you’re stupid Lucia, he’s gone’, but no, he is still around us because he loved that place. That place Pellegrini’s was his soul and his spirit is still there.”
Tickets to the three-course dinner on November 9 are $60 and include drinks, live entertainment and a video of Sisto’s life from a young boy until just before his death,
Tickets can be purchased through Try Booking at trybooking.com/BFPKQ or calling the Calabria Club on 9307 1130.