Lygon Street divided: The untold story of the Brunetti brothers’ break-up
Sydney Morning Herald
by Michael BachelardFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The untold story of the Brunetti brothers’ breakup reveals a bitter feud that split one of Melbourne’s most iconic coffee empires into two distinct businesses. Fabio and Yuri Angele, who once ran Brunetti cafes together, now helm separate ventures: Fabio oversees Brunetti Classico in Carlton, while Yuri manages Brunetti Oro in Flinders Lane. The brothers have a “gentleman’s agreement” not to compete with each other’s turf, but their rivalry remains a defining feature of the family business. This separation, which occurred nearly five years ago, was driven by deep-seated tensions and differing ambitions within the family.
The story traces back to the family’s roots in Melbourne’s Italian immigrant community. Their father, Giorgio Angele, a pastry chef for the Italian Olympic team, arrived in Australia in 1956 and later established a small shop in Kew. As his business grew, so did the family’s involvement in the food industry. By the 1990s, Brunetti had become synonymous with Australian-Italian café culture, known for its high-quality coffee and pastries. However, the brothers’ differing visions for the future led to a definitive split in 2021, resulting in two separate brands: Classico, focused on traditional recipes, and Oro, which emphasizes innovation.
The breakup has reshaped Melbourne’s café landscape, with both brothers expanding their empires in different directions. Fabio operates three airport cafes, while Yuri has branched out into high-end retail spaces like Myer in Bourke Street. Despite their separation, the brothers remain tied by their shared history and family legacy. Their story highlights the complexities of sibling dynamics in business, where ambition and creative differences can lead to irreparable divisions.
This tale matters not just as a local Melbourne story but as a broader commentary on family businesses worldwide. The Brunetti saga underscores the challenges of maintaining harmony in family-run enterprises, particularly when faced with differing ambitions and visions. It also sheds light on the cultural significance of Italian-Australian identity in shaping Melbourne’s food scene, offering insights into how migration and entrepreneurship have influenced the city’s culinary landscape.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026