The new owner of the Grossi family’s Melbourne restaurants has been named as Edition Group Founder and Chief Executive Rebecca Yazbek.
The sale, announced earlier this month, includes Florentino, The Grill, Cellar Bar, Ombra, and Arlechin.
“This is a very exciting acquisition for Edition Group, and it is an honour and a privilege to be taking over some of the most important and beautiful restaurants in Australia,” says Yazbek.
“I aim to build on the unique identities and sorted legacies of the famed Florentino.”
Yazbek says there are no immediate operational changes planned for the venues while they work to understand the businesses before “transitioning with a refresh down the road”.
“The aim always at Edition is to balance the cherished past with a dynamic future,” she adds.
“When undertaking the renowned and beloved space that was originally Ezard on Flinders lane that now houses Nomad, or Melbourne’s original stock exchange, now Reine and La Rue; this is what we love – working together as a team to ensure our slice of culinary history in Melbourne continues to be loved by existing, and new diners for generations to come.”
Edition Group appointed Michael Greenlaw as culinary director earlier this year, who will bring a fresh perspective having gained acclaim through his work as executive chef for Atria at Melbourne’s Ritz-Carlton.
Yazbek added she is looking forward to getting the teams settled-in, and having Greenlaw tweak the menus across the group. Any larger operational updates will happen towards the middle of 2026.
Brendan Katich, current executive chef at Reine and La Rue, will take on the executive chef role at Florentino.
Greenlaw – who has worked across both Sydney and Melbourne Nomad restaurants, and Reine and La Rue – says taking on the culinary director role has been extremely rewarding.
“To say I am proud about taking on the incredible restaurants the Grossi’s have built would be an understatement,” Greenlaw adds.
“We’re stepping into one of the oldest restaurants in Australia, this is a significant milestone for our group, and the whole team is energised.
“I’m thrilled Brendan is taking on the role of executive chef at Florentino. We’re committed to upholding the classic, sophisticated Italian dining experiences, cherished by so many. But we’ll bring a fresh perspective, one that will help define the venues, especially Florentino, into the future.”
Guy Grossi says they are proud to pass the custodianship of Florentino to Edition Group.
“We know the next chapter of Florentino will be just as meaningful in Edition’s hands. It’s their turn to carry the story forward, and we can’t wait to see it continue,” says Grossi.
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Maia Hart
