After 25 years, the owners of Christchurch’s Saggio di vino have decided to retire. The restaurant, owned by Lisa Scholz and Yommi Pawelke, has become a Victoria Street landmark with locals considering it quintessentially Christchurch.
“We have loved everything about Saggio’s, but it is with a sense of relief that we officially retire in a few weeks. We feel that we’re not leaving a business, but our family behind,” said Scholz.
With a plethora of awards under their belt, both Scholz and Pawelke are sure to be missed on the restaurant scene. However, the legacy will continue to live through the new owners.
“Over the years we have had the pleasure of working with many incredibly talented people, and we are delighted to be handing the restaurant over to one of them. Yommi and I are confident that David Benjamin, the new chef-owner, supported by the existing team, will do us and the Saggio di vino name proud,” said Scholz.
Benjamin has extensive experience as a chef, having completed internships at The Berkeley hotel under Marcus Wareing and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London.
