Arrived in Australia with 1000$ in their bank accounts, 7 years later they have 3 companies and 30 employees

Giacomo Pietrantuono e Omar El Deek

Giacomo Pietrantuono e Omar El Deek Source: Supplied

The inspirational story of two creative 30-something Italians: Omar El Deek and Giacomo Pietrantuono.


A former football player from Rome and a wine expert from Florence, Omar and Giacomo moved to Australia 7 years ago to improve their English and explore the possibilities down under. Half broke, both with a mere 1,000$ in their bank account, they found a job in a restaurant in Melbourne's exclusive suburb of South Yarra, where one night - the story goes they were washing glasses - they decided to join their forces.

The two visionaries, career driven, creative young Italians began their path in the food and wine industry, investing both time, energies and money in the self development. And already in 2018 they were among the nomenees for the Best Young Italian Entrepreneurs award.
Being able to pursue a career that brings people together has been a blessing!
Giacomo Pietrantuono e Omar El Deek davanti alla loro nuova attività imprenditoriale
Giacomo Pietrantuono e Omar El Deek davanti alla loro nuova attività imprenditoriale Source: Supplied
Flavours and food were always an interest of Giacomo and Omar, who little by little realised what it took to be successful entrepreneurs. Not only their help build a strong reputation for the very first restaurant they worked for, but they later decided to walk their own way.

They created a marketing and communication company - ElPiet Media - then opened a brand new 29-square meters boutique restaurant - Cucinetta - and finally made themselves a name as two creative young blokes who are able to re-brand and re-vitalise old restaurants. Such as and old Toorak road food institution, Cosi, which they took as a their last challenge.


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