Well known locally as the 'pie man', Michael Di Salvatore has won numerous medals and competitions with his famous pies. Mick's story is an interesting blend of talent, courage and dedication.
Michael didn't plan on being a famous baker. When he was 15, he was left at the local supermarket to help out one night. Here he learned to press the bread dough - "You add the yeast and the next thing the bread is growing and multiplying, like it's a living organism. I thought it was kind of miraculous".
He's the youngest of his family, but employs three sisters, one sister-in-law, one brother and one brother-in-law. After leaving home at 16, he has battled to make Mick's Bakehouse into what it is out of sheer will and determination.
In 1995 Michael opened an outlet in the main street of Leeton. This shop was a cold shop as the bread, pies and cakes were baked and delivered daily from Mick’s Bakehouse in his mum and dad’s supermarket.
In 1998 Michael needed more space for baking to meet growing demand and moved his second Leeton shop to new premises in the main street of Leeton that allowed enough space to relocate the bakery and increase the café shop front.
In 2002 Michael opened a ‘Mick’s Bakehouse’ store in Wagga Wagga. This store has gone from strength to strength, now employing around thirty people, not only has established itself as a successful retail bakery-café but also as a wholesale distributor of its well known product throughout Wagga and the surrounding district and enjoys a strong representation in Canberra.
Michael and all the team at Mick's Bakehouse are passionate about the humble Aussie pie, hoping it will eclipse other 'snack' foods.
Mick's enthusiasm shows in the thousands of awards he has won for his pies as well as his personal commitment to business. Michael was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in the Young Australian of the Year Awards 2000 and has been recognised for his commitment to employ people with disabilities.