Francesco Laera arrived in Australia in October 2011 direct from Puglia, speaking little English. Within a year, he’d opened Trulli in South Gippsland with his partner Rhiannon Nix. During the pandemic, Trulli took the time to refocus their string of businesses. Trulli Bakehouse, (previously Gusto in Wonthaggi) will wholesale and retail a range of bakery items including croissants, baguettes, danishes, bread, cakes and its famed gelati.

Trulli Restaurant and Gelateria in Meeniyan will open with a new dinner menu, which will change every fortnight: three-courses, $80 per-head dinner and a handpicked selection of antipasto, pizza, pasta and meats. Dine-in lunch service will operate with a pizza/pasta menu and takeaway will be available all day.

They’ve also installed a pizza oven across the road at Meeniyan Pantry and Cellar, offering takeaway and picnic-style outdoor dining.