MEDIA RELEASE
Pizza World Champion, Johnny Di Francesco opens his Gradi
pizzeria on Crown’s Riverwalk
Melbourne, 13 OCTOBER 2014 – After winning first place at the 2014 Campionato
Mondiale della Pizza (Pizza World Championship) in Italy in July, Johnny Di Francesco will
be bringing his award winning pizza to Crown Melbourne. Opening a sibling to his iconic
Brunswick pizzeria 400 Gradi on Monday, October 13, the new restaurant will make its home
in the Riverwalk site previously occupied by Guissepe, Arnaldo & Sons (GAS), seat 300 plus
people and feature two large pizza ovens carefully designed to Johnny’s specifications.
The new menu will be based on Johnny’s much-loved offerings served at 400 Gradi on
Lygon Street, with a few new introductions and exclusives to suit the Riverwalk restaurant
space which includes an alfresco dining element. Now world-renowned as a pizza master,
Johnny has long been regarded as one of the best in his hometown of Melbourne with his
simple, traditional Italian cuisine that draws on the Neapolitan techniques of his family’s
heritage.
Johnny said he felt very fortunate to be opening a second restaurant at Crown. “Having
made pizza since I was 12, my passion for cooking has only intensified over time. I’m so
blessed to be able to do what I love and I hope that joy infiltrates everything that I make.”
Speaking on behalf of Crown, Peter Crinis, Chief Operating Officer, Crown Hotels and Food
& Beverage said, "Crown Resorts is very excited to welcome Gradi to the Riverwalk's
restaurant offering. Johnny will provide quality Italian cuisine that will appeal to a broad
range of customers looking for casual dining in a brilliantly designed space"
Johnny Di Francesco at 400 Gradi, East Brunswick
Crown Melbourne
For interview requests with Johnny Di Francesco, please contact Jane at Evil Twin
PR: [email protected]
For more press information and high resolution imagery, please contact Hatch
Communications:
Tina Orr
o 9836 2167 ext.7
m 0413 378 081
e [email protected]
Genevieve Day
o 9836 2167 ext.3
m 0488 558 331
e [email protected]