Using recipes handed down from his father in the late 19th century, Tommaso Cavallaro began baking and selling the family’s artisanal sweets in Lipari, Italy.  With his biscuits, cannoli and cakes proving popular in the Aeolian Island, Tommaso’s destiny changed forever when he met Sarina while catering for the sweets at her sister’s wedding.

In 1949, Tommaso set sail to Australia in the hope of creating a better life.  Arriving in Melbourne later that year, Tommaso began making cakes for a local business in Footscray, working hard until Sarina and their children could join him in 1951.

​Now settled in Australia, Tommaso and Sarina saw potential to cater for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Opening the doors to T. Cavallaro & Sons Pasticceria in Footscray in 1956, Tommaso prepared handmade cannoli and sold them to spectators at the MCG. 

With their eldest son, Carmelo, working alongside them in the shop, the family created their Sicilian sweets for customers half a world away! Their youngest son, Tony, later joined Carmelo in continuing the family business.  In time, the shop has had up to thirteen members across three generations working at the family business. 

Follow Tony on Instagram @tcavallarosons.