Statement by Mr Les Schirato, CEO of Vittoria Coffee

On behalf of all the staff at Vittoria Coffee, I would like to express my sadness and grief over the untimely death of Sisto Malaspina last Friday.

Sisto and his business partner Nino Pangrazio have been friends and part of our family since 1974, when they acquired Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on Bourke St, Melbourne.

Sisto was an icon of the Australian café scene and was loved by everyone in the hospitality industry and beyond.  He was a loyal friend and I am still in shock and disbelief.

He will be greatly missed by us all and we will ensure his legacy is carried on for many years.

Our sympathies are extended to the families of Sisto and Nino, as well as their thousands of customers and friends across the world.