In this episode of Dining Room Stories, we dive into the fascinating journey of Saluministi, a beloved Melbourne institution that brings authentic Italian flavours to the city. Frank Bressi and Peter Mastro, the founders, share their story of passion, family traditions, and the evolution of their business, which has become synonymous with quality Italian sandwiches.
The Saluministi story begins long before their official launch in 2014. Frank and Peter, both with Italian heritage, grew up surrounded by traditional Italian flavours, such as porchetta and salami. Their journey into the world of food started organically, with a humble entry into the Melbourne Salami Festival, where they won second prize with their homemade salami. This unexpected win sparked their passion for sharing authentic Italian food, and their journey soon expanded from pop-ups at local events to a permanent spot in North Melbourne.
Their approach to food is simple yet profound—crafting dishes that tell a story. Frank and Peter focus on creating high-quality, authentic sandwiches that reflect their Italian upbringing. Despite the fast-paced nature of the food industry, they’ve built a business based on genuine passion, staying true to their roots while continuously evolving. The duo discusses how they’ve remained committed to using only the best ingredients, such as aged prosciutto and hand-crumbed chicken, ensuring that every dish upholds the standards they grew up with.
What sets Saluministi apart is not just their food, but their unique business approach. Despite the competitive nature of Melbourne’s food scene, they have always prioritised quality over trends. In an industry often dominated by flashy new concepts, they chose to stay grounded, focusing on the authenticity of their offerings. Their journey has also been shaped by family and community values, with both Frank and Peter emphasising the importance of maintaining a balance between work and life. They’ve built a business where every employee feels valued, a key to their ongoing success.
One of the most inspiring aspects of their story is their approach to the challenges posed by the ever-changing business landscape, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on diversification, including a growing catering business, they’ve adapted without compromising on their core values. Their resilience and unwavering commitment to quality have enabled them to weather economic challenges and continue to thrive.
As Peter and Frank reflect on their success, they offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs: the importance of passion, understanding your numbers, and staying true to what you believe in. They also highlight the role of partnerships, explaining how their differences complement each other and contribute to their ongoing success.
For more stories from the people shaping Melbourne’s food culture, listen to the full episode on Dining Room Stories.
