We go to Italy on a quest to explore real food - 2005

From Italian Inspiration to Family Traditions: The Dello Mano Journey

 Our story begins with taking our daughters to Italy, a land renowned for its rich culinary traditions. They were introduced to the world of real, handmade food at the Salon del Gusto in Turin. As kids, they were greeted with open arms by the Italians, who couldn't resist picking them up and lifting them into their stalls, inviting them to experience the delightful array of flavours. From yak's milk cheese to a 300-year-old ragu recipe served over handmade pasta, our daughters got a taste of authentic and extraordinary cuisine. This experience left an indelible mark on their young minds, igniting a passion for great, real, and handmade food. It was here, amidst the bustling stalls and the smiling faces of Italian artisans, that they learned the importance of savouring the simple pleasures of life.

Back home, the enchantment of that culinary adventure stayed with us as a family. We continued to celebrate the essence of real food, not just in our business but in our daily lives. Our kitchen became a place where we experimented with flavours, and our home a hub for friends and family to come together over hearty, homemade meals.

It was these experiences, the shared moments of joy around the dinner table, and the love for exceptional food that we brought into our small family business, Dello Mano. Just as our brownies are crafted with care and love, every step of our journey has been a labour of love that we've shared and continue to share as a family.

Our story at Dello Mano is more than just about our delicious treats; it's about the values, dedication, and unity that have been the foundation of our small family business, inspired by the incredible flavours and experiences we discovered together in Italy.

Girls at the Salon Del Gusto, Turin - 2005

From Childhood to Graduation: Our Daughter's Journey with Dello Mano 

At Dello Mano, the heartbeat of our business is family. Our story is a tale of unity and collaboration, with our daughters by our side from the very beginning. We embarked on this sweet journey when they were just small children, setting up our booth at the earliest farmers' markets. It was in those early days, amidst the bustle and excitement, that they first tasted the essence of customer service and got a glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship.

Picture those mornings when the sun was still asleep, and we would pile into the car, all of us always excited to be building Dello Mano. They'd eagerly set up the stall and then sleep in the car for the next few hours.  After a treat breakfast at the neighbouring BreakfastSandwich stall known as Ma and Pa's, they'd greet customers with warm smiles, and manage the hustle and bustle of transactions. They didn't just grow alongside our business; they were an integral part of its growth.

Our daughters weren't mere spectators on this journey. They actively contributed to the success of Dello Mano. What started as a child's curiosity and eagerness to help blossomed into something more profound. Over time, they transformed from novices to proactive young entrepreneurs. Using pen and paper they'd add up orders and exchange cash and change. In the eyes of many customers they took charge of the stall, engaging with our loyal customers and building their own following who cherished the idea of supporting young minds on their entrepreneurial adventure.

The holiday season was particularly special. We stood together in the kitchen, navigating the unpredictable waves of orders and bustling Christmas shoppers. Our kitchen became a hub of shared laughter, the occasional challenge (!), and triumphant moments. The four of us worked shoulder to shoulder to meet the demands of the festive season, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As they journeyed through high school and university, they continued to be an integral part of our stores. From Teneriffe to New Farm and even the Tattersalls Arcade, they infused their youthful energy and great customer service into the heart of Dello Mano. 

Today, our daughters have graduated from university with formal tertiary qualifications, a testament to their dedication and hard work. Their journey in our small family business has enriched them in ways that no formal education could. They have imbibed our values of hard work, dedication, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Just as our brownies are crafted with care and love, every step of our journey has been a labour of love, shared and cherished as a family. Our story at Dello Mano is more than just about our delicious treats; it's about the values, dedication, and unity that have been the foundation of our small family business.

First Market Customer - 2007

Celebrating Food, Family, and Culinary Journeys at Dello Mano

In our family, food is the golden thread that weaves memories together. Our home isn't just a place; it's a canvas for culinary experimentation, where the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked brownies and cakes fills the air. It's where hearty, homemade meals are more than just sustenance; they're a celebration of life's simple pleasures.

Our kitchen is a lively space, and every meal is a shared experience, with our daughters actively involved from a young age. They didn't merely taste-test brownies and cakes; they critiqued them with youthful honesty, shaping our creations with their insights. In this cozy haven, where laughter echoes with the clinking of cutlery, we nurtured our passion for exceptional food. 

Yet, our love for food extends far beyond the walls of our home. It has taken us on pilgrimages to the world's culinary meccas, from the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York, where we indulged in exquisite cakes, to the charming gelato shops in Bologna, and the artisanal bakeries of Paris. Each journey, a quest for the finest flavors and the discovery of culinary gems.

Our culinary adventures have stretched across continents. We've ventured to Belgium, where the heart of our chocolate was crafted. Witnessing the chocolate-making process firsthand, we learned the artistry and dedication that goes into each chocolate creation. Deb's journey to Africa was another remarkable chapter in our chocolate story. She followed the entire journey, from cocoa farm to our kitchen in Brisbane, to truly understand and appreciate the complete chocolate-making process.

But perhaps one of the most unforgettable moments was our visit to the birthplace of the original brownies in Chicago. Standing in the very kitchen where these beloved treats were first made, we felt a deep connection to the history and tradition of brownies, which has since become an integral part of our journey.

These experiences have not only enriched our passion for food but also inspired our commitment to delivering excellence in every bite

A Return to Turin - 2019

From Heart to Home: Dello Mano's Unique Small Family Business Story

In a world where big corporations dominate the market, Dello Mano stands as a testament to the unique and extraordinary nature of small family businesses. Our story is rooted in the values of hard work, dedication, and unity, where every brownie and customer interaction is imbued with a sense of purpose and warmth.

Unlike large corporations, we aren't driven solely by profits or shareholders' demands. Instead, our motivation comes from the joy of crafting exceptional treats and the relationships we've built with our customers over the years.

Our journey is a deeply personal one, where every family member, from our daughters to our extended family, has played a crucial role. We've woven the love for food, family, and flavour into the fabric of our business. Our small family business isn't just a place to purchase delicious treats; it's a destination where you become part of our story.

Every bite of our brownies carries the essence of a labour of love, and each interaction reflects the values we hold dear. We cherish the idea of supporting young minds on their entrepreneurial adventure, and our commitment to excellence is unwavering.

In a world of mass production and impersonal transactions, Dello Mano offers a unique and heartwarming experience that only a small family business can provide. Our customers aren't just numbers; they're part of our extended family, sharing in the flavors, traditions, and stories that define our journey.

So, when you choose Dello Mano, you're not just selecting a sweet treat; you're embracing a small family business that's committed to crafting exceptional experiences, one brownie at a time.

Our story is an invitation to savour the small moments, support local businesses, and celebrate the values that make us different and unique in a world of corporations