Amici Italian restaurant in North Hobart hits the market for first time since 2012

Hobart restaurateur Louie Sorgi has spent almost his entire life in hospitality – but after running four eateries, he’s decided to put his renowned Italian restaurant on the market. What this means for customers.

Amici Italian on Elizabeth St, North Hobart has been listed for sale for $353,000. Picture: Finn Business Sales Tasmania

Hobart restaurateur Louie Sorgi has spent almost his entire life in hospitality – but after running four eateries, he’s decided to put his renowned Italian restaurant on the market.

North Hobart’s Amici Italian has been running since 2012, but owner Louie Sorgi says now is the time for him to take a step back and enjoy his retirement.

But lovers of Italian cuisine are not to fear: the restaurant will remain open.

The business has hit the market for $353,000, walk-in walk-out.

Mr Sorgi – who just turned 60 and has run a total of four restaurants through his career – said he’s found it hard to take a complete step back in running the business, but he knew it was the right time to sell up.

Louie Sorgi, owner of Amici in North Hobart, has owned four restaurants in his career.

“I did explore my options of going back in myself, but I weighed it up … a lot of people can manage with other people running [their business] and being less hands-on but I struggle to do that,” Mr Sorgi said.

“A big part of that was the creativity; I do have a passion for the food industry and it was tempting to go back in … [But] that balance is my achilles heel.”

A true businessman, Mr Sorgi said he’d even started thinking about tapping into the vegan market.

“I mean it is highly unlikely, but I never say never, and if the right opportunity came along I would look at it,” he said.

Amici Italian on Elizabeth St, North Hobart has been open since 2012. Picture: Finn Business Sales Tasmania

At 60, Mr Sorgi said he still believes he has plenty to learn but he’s excited about what lies ahead for his new-found retirement – which he hopes will include some travel.

For those looking at jumping into the hospitality business Mr Sorgi said it was a challenging craft but one that was also very rewarding.

“Being your own boss and having that creative side to it as well … I get excited. You’ve got to have that creative side to you, you have got to be driven – but it’s very rewarding,” he said.

Published 29/07/2004 - Restaurant Guide Rozzinis Hobart owners from left Louie Sorgi and Carlo Ambrosino.

After previously running restaurants The Riviera and Rozzinis, Mr Sorgi said the key to being in business was “seeing things others don’t see”.

“For me, it’s about understanding the market … if there’s not a market or a niche [to fill], then there’s no point, because people won’t want it.”

Originally published as Amici Italian restaurant in North Hobart hits the market for first time since 2012