Pane e Caffe is the newest addition to Felixstow, bringing with it an authentic Italian heart and a whole lot of family charm. Owners Vassi Magoulianos and Joe Marrolo have poured their heritage and decades of hospitality experience into creating a small but welcoming space designed.
“We both grew up in food. I’ve been a chef for 20 years and Joe has been on the front line since his days in Victor Harbor at Jono’s Pizza,” Vassi said.
“Most people will remember him from Bocelli in the city where he spent 22 years. He’s a familiar face and people are already popping in to say hello, which has been lovely.”
The new Felixstow cafe, which seats around 15 people, is cosy and intimate with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s the kind of place where customers can expect to always see one of the owners behind the counter.
“It’s important to us that this is hands-on. Any time you walk in, you’ll see either me or Joe, so it really feels like a family-run place,” Vassi said.
The menu leans into Italian traditions, but with flexibility to suit families and busy locals.
“We’ll be doing focaccias, paninos, some small breakfast treats, and take-home meals,” Vassi explained.
“There’ll be kid-friendly options too, because as a mum I know how important it is to have something for them when you just want a coffee.”
Slices of pizza will also make an appearance, sold by the slab for those who don’t want a whole pizza.
And while pastries will be sourced from small local bakeries, everything else will be made in-house.
“All the sauces, schnitzels, lasagne, pesto, aioli – everything will be made by me. I don’t want to buy things in. I want it to be authentic and filled with love, not something that comes out of a can,” Vassi said.
Pane e Caffe will open seven days a week, with hours set at 7am to 4pm on weekdays and slightly shorter trading on weekends. A soft opening is already underway, giving locals the first taste of what’s to come.
“We wanted to be open for the community as soon as possible. The official launch will follow, but people can already drop by this weekend for a coffee,” Vassi said.
The couple, who have four children aged between two and fourteen, say the new venture is very much a family affair.
“Our 11-year-old is already keen to start working in the cafe,” Vassi laughed.
“The kids have been helping where they can, and it’s been great to have them involved.”
With strong ties to Felixstow and a passion for creating something personal, Pane e Caffe is set to become a new neighbourhood favourite.
As Vassi put it, “This strip of shops needs something like this. The community has been amazing already, and we can’t wait to grow this little space into something special.”
Pane e Caffe
Where: 38 Briar Road, Felixstow
When: Open 7 Days. 7am to 4pm on weekdays and slightly shorter trading on weekends.
For more information, click here.
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