The tale of our heritage holds significant importance, providing the bedrock upon which Mediterranean, the brainchild of Tony Borg, emerged.
Hailing from Malta, Tony was born in 1938 amidst a backdrop of resilience and fortitude. His early years were devoid of extensive education, as he embarked on a journey of work to support his family, delving into various roles within the food and catering sphere.
Following a stint in the Navy, Tony, at the tender age of 19, sought new horizons in Australia, settling in Melbourne in 1957. There, he carved his path, marrying Agnes, a fellow Maltese, and raising four children in the western enclave of Altona.
The very house they called home was a testament to Tony's unwavering determination. Despite lacking prior building experience, he meticulously crafted each brick and erected their double-story abode from scratch—a feat of sheer grit and labour.
Fast forward, Tony acquired a commercial plot in Harrington Square, Altona, with dreams of launching his own enterprise. Once again, his indomitable spirit drove him to construct his envisioned double-story shop, poised to introduce traditional Maltese pastries, notably the iconic “Pastizzi”, to the burgeoning Maltese diaspora.
Word of Tony's culinary prowess spread like wildfire, drawing crowds from across Melbourne craving a taste of nostalgia. Buoyed by the shop's success, Tony and Agnes expanded into catering, hosting grand dinner dances and conferences, eventually acquiring a Reception Centre.
A chance encounter with a supermarket manager sparked the idea of introducing the “Pastizzi” to a wider audience. Transforming adversity into opportunity he innovated a solution, enhancing the product's shelf life and convenience for customers.
Years later, the Borg family established a sprawling factory, churning out thousands of Pastizzi’s daily, while also fostering local employment opportunities. Their dedication to authenticity and customer satisfaction remained unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
Though Agnes has since departed, the Borg family's commitment to their legacy endures. Today, they continue to imbue their business with a slice of Maltese heritage, spreading joy and nostalgia to patrons worldwide.
