Bicaro’s outgoing owners, Sam Scarpari and Gina Sozzi, are bowing out of business.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
After 12 years of clinking glasses, rustic Italian flavours and countless friendships formed across its tables, Shepparton’s much-loved “little pocket of Italy” is preparing for a change of hands.
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Owners Gina Sozzi and Sam Scarpari, who have poured their passion into the restaurant since 2013, are stepping away to begin a new chapter.
“It’s the people we’ll miss the most,” Gina said.
“We’ve made so many friends in our customers.
“Every Friday lunch with the ‘big boys’ — they were here with the previous owner, but chose to stay on with us, and we’ve shared so much with those guys.”
For Gina, who has spent more than 25 years in hospitality, running Bicaro’s was the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
Sam, whose wine expertise shaped the restaurant’s unique flavour, said the pair wanted to create a place that was as much about connection as it was about food.
“If our food was good and our service was brilliant, people would come back,” Sam said.
“That’s what we worked for every day — to be the hosts people wanted to see, and that’s what made the difference.”
Bicaro’s grew from uncertain beginnings into a destination known for its vines, warm atmosphere and authentic cucina-style charm.
But after years of late nights, sacrifices and the challenge of steering through COVID-19, the couple said they were ready to slow down.
“Life is short — you don’t get time back with family and friends,” Sam said.
“We’ve still got the energy, but it’s time to do something else.”
Gina will now focus on her role as community co-ordinator with the Kialla and District Fire Brigade, while Sam expands his wine business alongside his role at Dan Murphy’s.
While the farewell is bittersweet, Bicaro’s future is in trusted hands.
Head chef James Oster, who has been with the restaurant for the past nine months, will take ownership.
James is a Shepparton local and a familiar face in the region’s hospitality industry, as he has spent time working at Cellar 47, Noble Monks and The Milkbar before finding his home at Bicaro’s.
“It’s an honour to carry on what Gina and Sam have built,” James said.
“They’ve created more than a restaurant — they’ve created a community. I want to keep that heart alive while also bringing in new ideas and making it my own.”
Bicaro’s will serve its final meals under Gina and Sam’s ownership on Saturday, August 30.
Bicaro’s outgoing co-owners, Gina Sozzi (left) and Sam Scarpari (right), with new owner James Oster.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
