Can you remember what you got up to when you were sixteen? Perhaps you were focusing on your schooling and working a casual or part-time job on the side. But could you possibly imagine completing your education while simultaneously working 40-60 hour weeks managing a cafe?
At just sixteen, Adelaide-born Italian Carlo Capone is doing just that. As owner and manager of Franco’s Deli, recently opened in Mawson Lakes, Carlo is splitting the majority of his time between running his new Italian deli and completing his education online.
At 13, Carlo began his career clearing tables and washing dishes in a St. Louis Patisserie in Mawson Lakes. In the space of two years, he’d grown to become the café manager, showing off his skills in all areas of the business. Now proficient in customer service, making coffee, and preparing and serving food, Carlo has known for years now that this was the pathway he wanted to pursue. Now, that dream has come true with Franco’s Deli.
“We are bringing an authentic Italian sandwich shop, doing amazing Focaccia sandwiches with the highest quality products,” Carlo says.
Named after his late great-grandfather, Franco’s Deli is a new hotspot in Adelaide’s north for authentic Italian deli style food and coffee, serving up all the best Italian favourites like paninis, toasties, cakes, fresh juices, and a pantry retail section, so you can dine-in or take home all your treasured treats.
Carlo’s personal favourite? Has to be the “Sopressa Focaccia, which has Golden Peppers, Fior Di Latte, Spicy Mayo and of course a heap of Sopressa, every bite is like heaven!”
When he first felt the inspiration to open his own Italian deli, Carlo sought advice from the owner of the café he worked at, an Italian chef with 10 years of experience, who even worked for a Michelin Star restaurant back in Italy.
This mentor has guided Carlo through every step of the journey to open Franco’s Deli. They fitted out the shop together, putting in countless hours of physical labour.
“One thing he’s taught me is hard work always pays off”, says Carlo.
By working in Mawson Lakes for three years, Carlo saw an opportunity: “I haven’t seen any good quality, authentic Italian places locally, so I knew I had to bring something to Mawson Lakes”.
If you’ve been inspired by this story of young entrepreneurship, or just looking for a new go-to spot for authentic Italian deli food, then make your way to Franco’s Deli in Mawson Lakes for a coffee, panini, or both!
WHAT: Franco’s Deli
WHEN: Open seven days a week from 6am – 3pm
WHERE: 22-26 Goodall Parade, Mawson Lakes
For more information, click here.
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