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STORE PROFILE “Locali brings the beloved traditional Italian grocer to the heart of Sydney with a modern and stylish twist,” he said. “We’re so proud of this concept and have chosen to open in Sydney as the precinct undeniably exhibits innovation and sits within an iconic and historically significant part of the city.” It’s the first time that the Romeo family has introduced a restaurant offer within the supermarket, also providing a range of authentic take-home products. To curate its unique offer, the retailer partnered with seasoned chef and restaurateur Orazio D’Elia who himself launched Italian Matteo Downtown in Sydney’s Double Bay. He brings different tastes and recipes from regions throughout Italy with a variety of pizza, chicken and pasta to pair with some of the great wine on offer in the store. Romeo’s will also soon launch an app enabling shoppers to order lunch or pick up dinner. “The in-store experience is supported by niche, locally sourced products.” “Our unique in-store experience of fresh food and dine-in options is strongly supported by our niche, locally sourced products which support Australian farmers and producers,” Mr Romeo said. “This is complemented by our unique global range.” The Romeo family has continued the tradition of bringing family together with food. (“Mangia, mangia,” Mr Romeo enthuses, which means ‘eat, eat’.) They wanted to create a meeting place where shoppers could shop and dine together at the store. Each of the departments is represented by a family member, to acknowledge their hard work and achievements within the family business: Elisabeth, the hero of the delicatessen; Antonio as the head of the family at the cafe; Paul at the centre of the store and of the business as a founder and developer; Anthony at the front of the kitchen as the engine of the restaurant and of the business as a founder, heading its administration and finance; and aptly, wine aficionado Joseph at the head of Locali’s breakthrough bar within a supermarket, a first for the Romeo’s network and offering some of South Australia’s best wines. The second Locali store is expected to open in June at Wynyard Station, as part of the Brookfield Place Sydney precinct. APR, 2021 RETAIL WORLD 13