The Mentor with Mark Bouris#489: This Beloved Sydney Restaurant’s Closure Reveals the Crisis Facing Small Businesses
After five years of serving up the soul of Sicily in the heart of Paddington, Simone Crivello and Isobel Galloway made headlines a couple weeks ago with a raw, heartfelt message announcing the closure of their beloved restaurant, Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea.
In this episode, MB sits down with the couple behind the viral video that struck a chord with small business owners across Australia. From Simone’s roots in Porticello to building a community around Mediterranean hospitality, we explore their journey—what Zafferano meant to them, the harsh realities that forced them to close, and what they believe needs to change to keep small business culture alive.
This isn’t just a farewell—it’s a call to action. And it’s not the end of the road for Simone and Isobel. Hear how they’re taking their passion for food, storytelling, and tradition to the next chapter: a cookbook, food tours, and a dream project in Sicily.
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