Words by Teyha Nicholls Images Supplied
They say all good things must come to an end, and the same is true for one of Healesville’s most iconic and longstanding providores, Yarra Valley Pasta.
It’s the end of an era for fans of artisan, hand-made pasta, both in the Yarra Valley and beyond. After 25 years in business, owner Lisa Giffard says her choice to close the doors is led by her heart.
“It’s time for me to focus on my family. I’m going to just enjoy my boys, not rush around, and spend more time with my mum and dad,” she explains.
The providore was well known for its traditional Italian fare, praised by locals and critics alike for its authentic flavours, passed down from Lisa’s mother, Maria Colaneri, and their ancestors in the Molise region of Italy.
Throughout the pandemic and afterwards, the business continued to trade consistently with support from locals. Their pasta and sauces could be found in shopfronts across the state, while plenty of home-delivery services approached Lisa for partnerships.
“Covid was actually very good for our business. There was that really big push towards supporting local. I think people were finding empty shelves at Coles while the little guy down the road was still employing people, so our retail side went gangbusters, but our restaurant obviously took a big hit.”
But between running the business, keeping staff employed during the lockdowns, homeschooling her children and caring for her ageing parents, Lisa found herself — very understandably — exhausted. As any business owner will know, staying open requires innovation, and innovation requires energy.
“When we opened in 1997 there was nothing in Healesville. You couldn’t get a decent cup of espresso anywhere, so we were new and exciting. Of course [the business] has had lots of different lives, but it was time to reinvent again and in order for the business to thrive, I would need to dig a lot deeper and find a different energy and headspace.”
The future for Lisa looks like more time spent with family and recharging the batteries for business ventures to come.
Yarra Valley Pasta has been integral in cultivating Yarra Valley’s reputation for artisan produce and excellent global dining. While their closure is a loss for the region, theirs is a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten.
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Yarra Valley Pasta closure
WHERE: Healesville, Yarra Valley
WHEN: March 2022
MORE INFO: Yarra Valley Pasta
We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.