Mario, affectionately known as Marzy, was a panel beater by trade. To bring in additional income, he also worked various part-time jobs in hospitality, roles that came naturally to him. Mario had an effortless way with people, building rapport in moments. A true man of the people, he loved nothing more than bringing a smile to a customer’s face.
After a panel-beating accident, Mario attended a medical appointment, only to discover, much to his frustration, that the doctor was on holiday, and no one had informed him. In a huff, he wandered up the road to the local butcher he knew, just to say hello. During their chat, Mario learned that a milk bar a few doors down was up for sale. In that moment, a vision sparked.
In 1986, Mario and his wife Effie opened their first coffee shop on North Road in Ormond, proudly housing the very first coffee machine in the area. Effie would help to open early in the mornings and close at night, working around her job at The Age. Together, they laid the foundations for something special. With the addition of their newborn daughter, Emily, it was a busy and demanding time for the family, and Effie made the tough decision to leave her job at The Age to work full-time in the café.
By late 1990, Mario’s eye was drawn to a new space in Highett, one he knew would be perfect for another café. This became Highett Central Café, a warm, welcoming and much-loved local spot for the next 11 years.
Mario and Effie in their first cafe in Ormond
Though chalk and cheese, Mario and Effie were the perfect partnership. Mario held court out front, an outgoing jokester, while Effie worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Together, they built great success. Over the following 15 years, they opened and sold three more thriving cafés throughout Bentleigh and East Bentleigh, with loyal customers following them wherever they went.
The hospitality gene ran strong in Emily. While it wasn’t always at the forefront of her mind, it was a constant presence. Throughout her childhood, she spent a lot of time in the cafés, absorbing everything, watching how her parents worked, led, and connected with people.
Later in life, Emily met Vaughan, the chalk to her cheese. The niggling idea of starting something of her own never quite faded and when an opportunity presented itself at just the right time, they took the leap.
Introducing the new duo: Emily and Vaughan. With Emily inheriting her father’s warmth and charisma, and Vaughan bringing calm, logic, and structure to ensure the business truly works, they proudly present Marzy’s, a homage to the man Mario who brought people together, and Effie, his rock, the backbone behind every successful operation.
