In this blog post, we focused on Chianti Restaurant, one of Adelaide’s most-awarded Italian restaurants. And since they are celebrating their 35th year this year, we thought it was only appropriate to get to know the people behind this little slice of Italy.
Chianti is located just up the road from Adelaide City Optometrist.
We love to support local in South Australia, and on Hutt Street we certainly do just that! There is something heart-warming about people coming together from a variety of industries to share what they are passionate about.
Hutt Street, which is located on the eastern end of the city, has become a bustling and popular spot for a variety of restaurants and small businesses over the years. Especially over the warmer months, this friendly neighbourhood is the perfect place to wine and dine with friends, family and associates.
A BIT ABOUT YOU
We are Frank and Maria Favaro. Hutt Street has been our home for the past 20 years and we have also lived in the city for 20 years overall! It was lucky that we were able to secure this property at the time.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY?
We initially had family in the restaurant industry, so it was easier to settle into it. Also Frank was looking for a change and neither of us had been in the industry before so we thought ‘why not!’.
The one thing we were passionate about was Italian food, which was what we’d cook at home all the time. It’s important to use locally grown produce to support South Australia and for the freshness in our dishes.
“Everybody can cook good food, what sets us apart is the service and hospitality”
6 years ago we opened Bar Torino which is right next door to Chianti Restaurant. This is great for people to meet but in a more relaxed setting, still with great food and drinks. Now that we have 2 children in the business we’re starting to spend more time in Chianti than Bar Torino!
“Hutt street is a destination, people come directly to us, we don’t rely on the foot traffic”
ROAD TO RECOVERY
It has been a challenging year for everyone and having to close Chianti Restaurant for 3.5 months was definitely something we didn’t expect.
What we have learnt during this time is to know what your limitations are and adapt to the changes, you have to make a few business decisions to suit you and your customers.
After going through all these changes we have come to realise that dining isn’t taken for granted anymore and has been appreciated in a new way.
Everyone is happy to be out and about and there is a lot more buzz in the restaurant! You can feel the energy in the room.
HOPES FOR HUTT STREET
Hutt street reminds us of a Main Street in a country town, it has a beautiful boulevard, a lot of locals pass by and everyone is very friendly.
Everyone feeds off each other and there are a lot of residents nearby and off of Hutt street.
The council has been very supportive and are changing a lot of things recently. Now we just need young people to take a risk and come to Hutt street to see what happens here and support the businesses.
Book Now
to dine at Chianti Restaurant
Tuesday to Saturday
11am-10pm
(No breakfast)