Melbourne-based hospitality patriarch Giorgio Angele has been recognised for his service to the restaurant and hospitality industry with a Medal of the Order (OAM).

The announcement came as part of the King’s Birthday 2024 honour list in June.

Giorgio Angele’s career began in Rome  in 1943, when he began his pastry chef training. By 1956 he joined the Italian Olympic team in Melbourne as their pastry chef, after which he decided to remain in Australia. He opened his first cake shop in Kew East that same year.

In 1991 Giorgio purchased a café, called Brunetti, which eventually expanded to multiple locations across Melbourne, with franchised stores even established in both Dubai and Singapore.

In 2017 Brunetti Oro opened a flagship store in Flinders Lane in Melbourne, with his son, Yuri, launching Oro in 2021.

In a statement Brunetti Oro said Giorgio’s recognition with an OAM is a testament to his lifelong dedication to excellence in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Yuri added, “We are immensely proud of Dad’s achievements and this well-deserved recognition. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to quality have been the cornerstone of Brunetti Oro’s success.”

“This honour is a celebration of his remarkable journey and the lasting impact he has made on the hospitality industry.”

Giorgio hung up his apron in 2019, saying he was ready to let go of the daily pressure.

“I work 12, 14, 16 hours a day,” he told the Herald Sun at the time, while announcing Stephane Bordes would be taking over as Brunetti’s production manager of pastry.

“It’s hard on my body. I don’t want the daily pressure to produce any more.”