Marco Finanzio
Founder & Managing Director

Marco is the founder of each of the current venues and a pioneer of reactivating the historical Thornbury High Street.  He is also a co-founder of the Melbourne Salami Festa. 

Marco has travelled the world extensively, having also lived in Italy, worked in London and volunteered in Costa Rica. After spending 10 years in the finance world, he decided to return to his true love of hospitality with vital experience and clear direction.

Marco is passionate about providing genuine hospitality and creating environments that bring people together sharing good food and booze.

Carla Barbieri
Marketing & Community

Carla has lived the journey of the Umberto Group since its inception in 2010.  Her experience in the not for profit sector coupled with her Bachelor of Education makes Carla the perfect leader of our community initiative Programma Comunità.

Carla also heads up the marketing department in her spare time!

Andrew Barry
General Manager

Andrew is hospo born and bred. At 11 years of age he got his first taste of the industry, pouring pots at his cousin’s pub in South Melbourne and he hasn’t looked back since.

With over 22 years’ experience, Andrew has worked in bars across Europe and South East Asia as well as some of Melbourne’s best restaurant institutions.

First joining the group in 2021, Andrew was initially the Beverage Manager before moving into the role of General Manager.

Anthony Palermo
Executive Chef

Experienced in multiple, highly profitable businesses both across Australia, The Middle East & The USA., Anthony brings 23 Years experience in the restaurant industry including all things Italian & European and is internationally accredited by the AVPN (Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana) in Neapolitan Pizza. Anthony has owned & operated multiple successful businesses over the past 10 years both nationally and internationally.

With a great passion for hospitality and a detailed understanding of Restaurant Operations around the world, Anthony aims to be strategic in future planning, continuing to enhance and grow the industry.

Alissa Bressanuti
Group Pastry Chef

With over 20 years of experience in the bustling food retail, café, and restaurant industries, Alissa has navigated the diverse landscape of culinary arts - from dynamic front-of-house engagements to intricate management roles. Now, she’s diving headfirst into her true passion: baking exquisite pastries that dazzle the palate as Group Pastry Chef. She also, manages production at Pastifico Sandro, ensuring our community savours the freshest pasta and gourmet, ready-made meals crafted with love and precision. With her unparalleled dedication and expertise, Alissa blends food artistry with a commitment to quality, bringing joy to every table.

Renata Waihi
Venue Manager - Pastificio Sandro

Originally hailing from Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ren has dedicated over 20 years to the hospitality industry. Sixteen years ago, he hopped on a plane with close friends, drawn to Melbourne—the city globally renowned for its hospitality scene—to chase unforgettable experiences.

Ren firmly believes that neighbourhood wine bars are the heartbeat of any community. They’re intimate, welcoming, and the perfect platform for his warm and people-focused style of hospitality. Ren’s vision is not just about serving wine and food—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community, where everyone feels welcome and valued.