Over 25 years of success
Around a third of all new Australian businesses fail in the first three years, rising to half after five. Hospitality is a particularly risky investment in a highly competitive sector.
That puts into perspective Chianti Classico’s Frank and Maria Favaro’s more than 25 years in the industry.
In 1985, they began as “fledgling operators” by investing in Light Square’s original Chianti Restaurant with Frank’s sister and her husband; their mother Luisa Favaro in the kitchen. While bringing up their young family Frank and Maria worked alternate day and night shifts for 11 years, attracting regular customers, many loyal to this day.
As host, Maria Favaro became one of Adelaide’s most recognisable faces – meeting, greeting, seating; attending to the smallest details to ensure an enjoyable experience for every guest.
Maria’s hospitality philosophy is simple. “We try to make every person who enters our restaurant feel as welcome as if they are a guest coming into our home.”
After renovating the original restaurant, Frank and Maria decided to reposition the restaurant – both in style and geographically. In December 2000, they purchased a heritage building on Hutt Street, gutted and completely refurbished it to reopen, in March 2001, as the stylish Chianti Classico.
One of Adelaide’s most successful and consistently awarded restaurants, Chianti Classico is known for its superb food – under head chef and now part-owner Tobias Gush – extensive local and Italian wine list and impeccable service.
The restaurant’s upstairs now offers a private dining, functions and corporate events venue, with its own kitchen. It is called Gallo Nero taking its name from the ‘black rooster’ trademark, a guarantee of ‘Chianti Classico’ branded wines. It has become known as a symbol of quality, aligning with our guest experience.’
Over more than a quarter century, Chianti Classico’s Frank and Maria Favaro have become an Adelaide dining “institution”.
Chianti Classico consistently delivers authentic Italian dining experience for local (city, suburban and rural), interstate and international guests. Chianti Classico is one of only three restaurants in South Australia to be awarded the Ospitalità Italiana accreditation, presented by the Italian Government and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Australia. This accreditation recognises the restaurant’s commitment to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience, recreating a little piece of Italy.
Besides its classy interior, guests may also enjoy all-weather al fresco dining under wide verandahs on the footpaths made famous by that elusive contributor to The Adelaide Review, ‘Alastair C’.
Chianti Classico is one of Adelaide’s most awarded restuarnats, most recently Restaurant & Catering Association Awards SA Sommelier of the Year, Duncan Vent (2010 & 2008), SA Peoples’ Choice (Most Popular) 2009, Australia's 'Best Breakfast' (2005, 2007, 2009), and the prestigious 'Three Glasses' accolade for our wine list from Gourmet Traveller, Australian Restaurant Guide.
Chianti Classico is also renowned locally for its generosity and community spirit. For example, the restaurant and its team regularly raise money for charitable causes and support local fund-raising events, including the Starlight Foundation, Variety Club, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Camp Quality and the Heart Foundation.