Tony and Cathy Ciancio are retiring after 31 years of working in Bendigo’s hospitality industry.
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The former owners of the Green Olive in Bath Lane and, most recently, the Epicurean Delicatessen in Mitchell Street are planning on taking more time for themselves.
“We have been going 31 years. We started Green Olive in Bath Lane in 1981 and were there for 21 years. We have been at Epicurean for 10 years,” Mr Ciancio said.
Mr Ciancio said between himself, his wife Cathy and his son and daughter they have almost 100 years of hospitality experience.
“It’s amazing. I’ve never thought of it like that but time flies when you're having fun,” Mr Ciancio said.
“But time moves on and we just thought we needed a bit more time to ourselves.
“We need to stop and smell roses a bit, have some more family time with the grandchildren and hopefully do a bit of travelling.”
In their 30-plus years hospitality experience in Bendigo, the Ciancios have seen Bendigo grow in a quality food hub.
“When I remember at Green Olive, making 26 to 30 coffees in a day was fantastic,” Mr Ciancio said.
“Here we achieved up to 400 coffees in a day.That's just us. Now there are a hundred little coffee houses in Bendigo when we used to have 10. That's how much (food in Bendigo has) changed.
“It’s been an interesting journey and a passionate journey but, above all, a journey that, hopefully, most people have appreciated.”
The sad part of retiring from their delicatessen is not seeing the many loyal customers that visit regularly.
“We have been very fortunate to have the type of clientele that truly appreciates the quality service and friendship above all,” Mr Ciancio said.
“We have made many friends that we have known for 30 years. That's biggest reward above anything else.”
Despite Mr and Mrs Ciancio leaving the Epicurean, the service and food will remain the same.
“The premises have no intentions of changing. The staff are remaining and (new owner) David Haymes has a passion for food and this is the type of place where you need passion,” Mr Ciancio said.
“David will do his utmost to maintain and maybe even improve the deli and, for me, it will be nice to be on the other side of counter, sipping the good coffee.”