The Menara family’s cake shop has served and sweetened Long Branch’s diverse community since 1973. You can locate this local legend on High Street, between Preston and Northcote. John Menara opened the shop, even with his Italian lineage, although he had never stepped foot in Italy. For half a century, the Garofolo family has been hand-filling cannoli and other Italian treats with special care, which has lent their shop the award-winning reputation.
This third-generation Reveley family business has its roots planted firmly far as 1952. It was shortly afterwards that John Menara’s uncle, Enzo Luccini, opened Melbourne’s first Italian cake shop on Lygon Street in Carlton. Today, John Menara reflects on the legacy his family has built, stating, “It is a great feeling and we are immensely proud.”
The Menara family’s commitment to quality and tradition continues with John’s son, Gianni Menara, who is part of the next generation taking over the reins. At 46 years old, Gianni embraces his family’s history and heritage, noting, “My sister Nadia and I are taking over the reins from mum and dad, and we feel very proud of our history, our Italian heritage.”
For John and his wife, Sonia Menara the warmth and familiarity came naturally as they welcomed their customers for over four decades. Sonia enjoys conversing with her clients in Italian, of which she speaks fluently. “Family and community is at the heart of this small business,” Sonia stated, highlighting the values that have shaped their operations over the years.
As John prepares to hand over the reins to Gianni and Nadia, like any small business owner, he hopes for a long and bright future for their family business. “I hope that it will continue for another 50 years, at least,” he said. The couple’s passion for their art shines through in the careful preparation of cakes and pastries. “We make everything on the premises. Food is our passion and always has been,” John added.
The appeal of High Street is clearly an important factor in the popularity of the Menara family’s cake shop. Leah Glynn, a local resident, commented on the street’s vibrant atmosphere: “High Street ticks all the boxes. It has epic restaurants, cute hidden bars, great boutiques, and a really wonderful community spirit.” Longtime patrons return to the locavore nook for much more than the food. They’re looking for both connection and a community of kindred spirits. Sam Virgona described how customers enjoy socializing while they sip coffee and browse through fresh produce: “They like shopping here each week. They meet and talk with a friend and have a coffee. They enjoy their time in the market.”
For the Menara family, their story is one of overcoming adversity through their intense love for music. Each piece they whip up in their kitchen has the history and heart to back it up. John reflects on his personal connection to Italy through art: “Covering the walls with paintings and photos of Italy is how I connect with my ancestry back in Italy.”
Sonia encapsulated the journey they have experienced together, saying, “It has been a beautiful ride, I’ve got to say, all these years that we’ve been here.” She acknowledged the collaborative effort required to maintain their thriving business: “We could not have done it without each other, and the kids.”
John’s pride in what they offer goes way beyond not just having a cannoli. He points out that their homemade pies and continental cakes are customer favorites for birthdays and special events: “Customers love our homemade pies and the continental cakes that we make for birthdays and special events.”
As the Menara family looks toward this leadership transition, they look back on their history with pride and appreciation. At the same time, they’re breathlessly looking forward to what’s to come. The legacy initiated by Enzo Luccini continues to thrive under John and Sonia’s guidance and will carry on through Gianni and Nadia.
