From Pizza Dreams to Culinary Triumph
In the bustling world of gastronomy, where passion meets precision, one man’s journey from a 12-year-old pizzeria apprentice to an internationally renowned restaurateur is nothing short of inspiring. Meet Johnny Di Francesco, the visionary behind 400 Gradi, a culinary empire that has captured the hearts and palates of consumers worldwide.
Johnny’s odyssey began as a young boy, driven by a desire to own a pair of sneakers his parents couldn’t afford. He embarked on a part-time job at a local pizzeria after school, unknowingly sowing the seeds of his culinary future. Climbing the ranks, he cultivated an “undoughniable” love for crafting the perfect pizza. By age 15, his path was set.
However, the turning point arrived when Johnny commenced his engineering degree at university. In a pivotal first-year lecture, he found himself lost in thoughts of pizza dough physics, penning notes about the wrong subject. In an act of determination, he politely excused himself and never looked back, launching his life as a restaurateur.
“Making pizza is a sport, an art form, and a science. It’s physical, it’s a process, and it’s alchemy,” reflects Johnny Di Francesco.
From that defining lecture, Johnny’s journey evolved, marked by challenges like burnt slices and an enriching sojourn in Italy. His dedication led to the birth of 400 Gradi in 2008, a manifestation of his profound passion for food. The Gradi Group expanded its presence across Melbourne, spanning from Brunswick to Essendon, Eastland, Yarra Valley, and Crown Casino, before venturing abroad to Kuwait, Bahrain, New Zealand, and Texas. Even the P&O Pacific Explorer cruise ship embraced 400 Gradi, set to sail on the Pacific Adventure in 2020.
Johnny Di Francesco’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s true calling and working tirelessly to master it. As he aptly puts it, “I fell in love with making pizza at a young age, and it’s more technical than people think. Flour and water – two of the simplest things. When you use them together in the right way, with consideration to factors like texture and temperature – magic is created.” Johnny’s magic in the culinary world continues to enchant and delight consumers around the globe, one slice at a time.
