Struggling restaurateur brings Channel 9 news presenter Davina Smith to tears

A single question from a news presenter left a struggling restaurateur in tears – which, in turn, led her to become visibly upset.

A Channel 9 news presenter has broken down in tears during an interview with a distraught restaurateur who had been forced to close his business due to rising costs.

Davina Smith was visibly moved as an emotional Rocky Pitarelli said despite his Italian restaurant being “loved” by the local community and his staff working hard, soaring energy bills and other costs meant the business had floundered.

Mr Pitarelli ran Caruso’s restaurant in Gymea in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.

He said his energy bill had jumped from $400 to $540 and then $700 a quarter more recently. And he fully expected it to rise above $800.

“It’s come to a point where it is unbearable for small businesses to turn the lights on,” he told Smith.

“Somebody can just get up in the morning and say interest rates have to go up and electricity has to go up and we just have to say, ‘thank you,’ and move on.”

Rocky Pitarelli was talking about the closure of his restaurant. Picture: Channel 9

Mr Pitarelli broke down during the emotional TV interview. Picture: Channel 9

Mr Pitarelli said he couldn’t pass on price rises to customers because they were all in the “same boat” struggling with their own bills.

Smith asked Mr Pitarelli what his message was to the party leaders ahead of the NSW state election later this month.

It was the question that led the business owner to tear up.

Caruso’s restaurant in Gymea, Sydney. Picture: Google Maps

Still we lose

“Stop worrying about it being a popularity contest; worry about the backbone of this nation.

“This nation was built by mum and dad operations like us, working hard,” he said through sobs.

“So worry about how you can save us because we’re all a victim of circumstance.

“The community loved us. We did all the basics; we were on top of it. But still we lose. And it’s just not fair.”

Davina Smith was visibly moved by Mr Pitarelli’s words. Picture: Channel 9

The news presenter had to take a second to compose herself. Picture: Channel 9

Smith told Mr Pitarelli she was sorry for what he was experiencing.

“It is your passion. And as you said, you are a loved institution in the Shire.

“This isn’t your fault. I hope the leaders are listening to you today,” Smith said.

“It’s not goodbye, because goodbyes are sad,” Mr Pitarelli added.

“It’s hello, to my next adventure. So let’s hope we can have a better adventure.”

As the camera returned to Smith, it was clear the interview had affected her.

“It’s not fair is it?” Smith said, apologising and composing herself.