Today, we’re joined by a restaurateur who has made his mark on Melbourne’s top dining venues. Born in Ivrea, Torino, he studied Economics and Tourism before moving to Australia, where he refined his craft in some of the city’s finest establishments. In 2022, he took the leap into ownership, taking the helm at Park Street Pasta & Wine and making it his own. Dining Room Stories with Luca Balbo
⏱️ YouTube Timestamps – Dining Room Stories with Luca Balbo
00:00 – Introduction to Dining Room Stories
00:09 – Meet Luca Balbo: From Torino to Melbourne
00:39 – Welcome & opening greetings
01:03 – Luca’s hometown & Italian carnival traditions
02:17 – First steps in hospitality: family bar experience
03:12 – Studying economics & tourism: path to travel & culture
05:08 – Internship in Argentina & first global exposure
06:51 – Arriving in Melbourne & first job at DOC
08:53 – Melbourne’s food scene in 2012 vs today
10:49 – Current restaurant economy & collaboration in the industry
13:06 – Key mentors in hospitality
14:26 – Scaling a hospitality business & the challenge of delegation
17:21 – Journey with Park Street Pasta & Wine: from manager to owner
21:33 – Transitioning from employee to business owner
23:21 – Luca’s leadership philosophy: staff first
25:00 – Keeping a restaurant profitable in tough times
27:21 – Bringing aperitivo culture to South Melbourne
30:42 – Post-COVID hospitality changes & challenges
33:01 – Customers’ shifting habits: less wine, more mocktails
35:11 – Biggest entrepreneurial challenge: first day without power
37:10 – Managing stress & running a family business
39:23 – Looking ahead: Luca’s 5-year vision
40:43 – Luca’s hospitality philosophy in one sentence
42:09 – Advice to a younger Luca
44:03 – Closing thanks & farewell
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