Sometimes life forces us to make tough choices about what matters most. For 2GB radio host Mark Levy, that choice came down to pasta or passion—and passion won.
The multi-award-winning broadcaster recently announced he'll host 2GB Mornings in 2025, taking over one of Sydney radio's most coveted time slots.
But this career milestone came with a price: his restaurant Pronto Sylvania, which he launched last year with a hospitality industry mate, has closed its doors for good as the company enters liquidation.
The closure was confirmed on October 21, 2025, with liquidation proceedings beginning months after the restaurant’s last social media post in August.
From Sports Commentary to Morning Radio Royalty
Levy takes over from Ray Hadley, who recently announced his retirement after a 43-year broadcasting career. For many Australians over 60, Ray Hadley's voice has been a constant companion for decades, making this transition particularly significant.
As a regular fill-in for Hadley and Ben Fordham across 2GB over his 18-year career, Levy's long-standing connection to the audience and deep understanding of the issues that make Sydneysiders tick made him the perfect choice.
He began his career in sports broadcasting, covering significant events including NRL finals, State of Origin and Olympic Games as a key member of the Wide World of Sports and The Continuous Call Team.
His credentials speak for themselves: Levy has won six Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including Best News Coverage this year for his fast and accurate broadcasting of the Bondi Junction attacks. That coverage, alongside colleagues Ben Fordham and Will Bottom, demonstrated the kind of professional journalism that has earned him loyal listeners' trust.
'It's not a situation where he's running away from creditors, he just didn't have time to focus on the restaurant'
When Pasta Meets Pressure
The restaurant venture started with high hopes. Pronto Sylvania, located on Princess Highway in Sydney's south, promised Italian and Balkan cuisine, with the eatery's website describing it as '300 years in the making' and promising 'a taste of Italy and the Balkans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.'
The full description on the restaurant’s website also read: 'Join us for a taste of Italy and the Balkans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring an exquisite selection of dishes... In the heart of Sylvania, where tradition meets taste.'
The restaurant's social media showed it attracted some high-profile customers, including former boxer Anthony Mundine. But the writing was on the wall when the eatery posted on August 7 that its kitchen would be closed 'due to some issues,' promising followers 'we'll see you next week.' That next week never came.
Its Google listing currently marks the restaurant as 'temporarily closed,' and the last customer reviews were left more than a month ago.
Understanding Business Liquidation
When a company enters liquidation, it means it cannot pay its debts and must be wound up
A liquidator is appointed to sell assets and distribute proceeds to creditors
The process typically takes months and aims to pay creditors as much as possible from available funds
The timing became impossible when Ray Hadley announced his retirement in November. Ray had been on air for over 40 years, achieved 160 consecutive ratings wins in the morning time slot, and is the most decorated radio host in Australian Commercial Radio Award history. Stepping into those shoes required total focus.
The Reality of Juggling Commitments
Levy took the helm of 2GB Mornings on December 16—exactly 18 years to the day since he first started at 2GB. The symmetry wasn't lost on him: 'As a young kid I grew up listening to the talkback kings and to be taking over a timeslot that's been owned by a mentor and a friend for the last 20 years is something I am excited about and extremely honoured to do'.
Saint George Hospitality, the entity behind Pronto Sylvania, has applied for a Winding Up Order to the NSW Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for Monday. According to reports, debts owed by the company were mostly to suppliers and were 'in the process of being paid,' with a process to sell the business underway.
The Daily Telegraph, which first reported on the liquidation, said it had approached the appointed liquidator for comment.
A Broader Lesson About Priorities
This situation reflects challenges many Australians face when opportunities arise later in life. At what point do you abandon a struggling venture to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity?
When Levy first opened the restaurant, it seemed manageable alongside his existing radio commitments. But circumstances change, and priorities must shift accordingly.
The restaurant industry has faced unprecedented challenges since 2020, with many venues struggling to maintain viability. Rising costs, staff shortages, and changing consumer habits have made hospitality one of Australia's most challenging sectors.
Making Difficult Business Decisions
- Sometimes success requires difficult choices about priorities
- Career opportunities of a lifetime don't come along often
- Business ventures need full attention to succeed
- Professional advice is crucial during liquidation processes
The Morning After
Levy will broadcast throughout the summer period, continuing 2GB's commitment to keeping its audience informed and entertained year-round. He'll continue his role with the Continuous Call Team on Friday nights and Saturdays during the NRL season, maintaining his connection to the sports broadcasting world that launched his career.
He currently hosts the 2GB Mornings show, airing between 9am and 12pm weekdays, taking over the slot from Ray Hadley in December 2024 after Hadley’s November retirement.
For regular 2GB listeners, the transition represents both continuity and change. As station content manager Luke Davis noted: 'Over almost two decades, Mark Levy has proven himself to be one of Australia's most gifted, hard-working and versatile broadcasters—and a favourite of 2GB listeners'.
The restaurant closure, while disappointing for those who enjoyed its Italian and Balkan offerings, represents a practical decision many business owners face. Sometimes you have to close one door to walk through another that leads to greater opportunities.
What Happens Next?
The liquidation process will continue through the courts, with creditors likely to receive updates on asset sales and debt recovery. For Mark Levy, the focus now turns entirely to mastering the art of morning radio in a highly competitive market.
'I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can't wait to speak to our loyal listeners every morning about the issues affecting them in what's shaping up as an important election year', he said. Given 2025 is indeed shaping up as a significant political year in Australia, his timing couldn't be better.
What This Means For You
The restaurant may have served its last meal, but Mark Levy's broadcasting career is just entering its most exciting chapter. Sometimes the best recipe for success is knowing when to change direction.
Have you ever had to make a difficult choice between different opportunities? Or perhaps you've experienced the challenges of running a small business? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear your perspective on balancing career ambitions with business ventures.
Primary Source
https://www.skynews.com.au/business...n/news-story/c15fbac67f376612610e34cbe239f9fb
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: 2GB has announced that multi award winning broadcaster, and listener favourite, Mark Levy will host 2GB Mornings in 2025.
Excerpt: The multi-award-winning broadcaster recently announced he'll host 2GB Mornings in 2025
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: 2GB has announced that multi award winning broadcaster, and listener favourite, Mark Levy will host 2GB Mornings in 2025.
Excerpt: The multi-award-winning broadcaster recently announced he'll host 2GB Mornings in 2025
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy closes restaurant to focus on radio—RadioInfo Australia
Cited text: In May last year 2GB Sydney broadcaster Mark Levy announced that he was opening a restaurant called Pronto Sylvania with a hospitality industry mate.
Excerpt: his restaurant Pronto Sylvania, which he launched last year with a hospitality industry mate
https://radioinfo.com.au/news/mark-levy-closes-restaurant-to-focus-on-radio/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: Levy takes the reins from Ray Hadley who recently announced his retirement from 2GB after a 43 year broadcasting career.
Excerpt: Levy takes over from Ray Hadley, who recently announced his retirement after a 43-year broadcasting career
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: Levy takes the reins from Ray Hadley who recently announced his retirement from 2GB after a 43 year broadcasting career.
Excerpt: Levy takes over from Ray Hadley, who recently announced his retirement after a 43-year broadcasting career
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: As a regular fill-in for Hadley and Ben Fordham across 2GB over an 18 year career, Levy’s long-standing connection to the audience and deep understand...
Excerpt: As a regular fill-in for Hadley and Ben Fordham across 2GB over his 18-year career, Levy's long-standing connection to the audience and deep understanding of the issues that make Sydneysiders tick made him the perfect choice
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: As a regular fill-in for Hadley and Ben Fordham across 2GB over an 18 year career, Levy’s long-standing connection to the audience and deep understand...
Excerpt: As a regular fill-in for Hadley and Ben Fordham across 2GB over his 18-year career, Levy's long-standing connection to the audience and deep understanding of the issues that make Sydneysiders tick made him the perfect choice
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: Levy began his career in sports broadcasting, and has covered some of the country’s most significant events, including the NRL finals, State of Origin...
Excerpt: He began his career in sports broadcasting, covering significant events including NRL finals, State of Origin and Olympic Games as a key member of the Wide World of Sports and The Continuous Call Team
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: Levy began his career in sports broadcasting, and has covered some of the country’s most significant events, including the NRL finals, State of Origin...
Excerpt: He began his career in sports broadcasting, covering significant events including NRL finals, State of Origin and Olympic Games as a key member of the Wide World of Sports and The Continuous Call Team
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: He has won six Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA), including for Best News Coverage this year, for his fast and accurate broadcasting of the Bo...
Excerpt: Levy has won six Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including Best News Coverage this year for his fast and accurate broadcasting of the Bondi Junction attacks
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy takes the reins from Ray Hadley on 2GB Mornings—RadioInfo Australia
Cited text: Radioinfo.com.au · BEST NEWS EVENT COVERAGE Bondi Attacks, Ben Fordham, Mark Levy & Will Bottom, 2GB Sydney .m4a · He has won six Australian Commercia...
Excerpt: Levy has won six Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including Best News Coverage this year for his fast and accurate broadcasting of the Bondi Junction attacks
https://radioinfo.com.au/news/mark-levy-takes-the-reins-from-ray-hadley-on-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy closes restaurant to focus on radio—RadioInfo Australia
Cited text: But then Ray Hadley announced his retirement from 2GB Mornings and calling the football that November. Ray had been on air 40 plus years, had 160 cons...
Excerpt: The timing became impossible when Ray Hadley announced his retirement in November.
https://radioinfo.com.au/news/mark-levy-closes-restaurant-to-focus-on-radio/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can’t wait to speak to our loyal listeners every morning about the issues affecting them in what’s sh...
Excerpt: Levy took the helm of 2GB Mornings on December 16—exactly 18 years to the day since he first started at 2GB
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can’t wait to speak to our loyal listeners every morning about the issues affecting them in what’s sh...
Excerpt: Levy took the helm of 2GB Mornings on December 16—exactly 18 years to the day since he first started at 2GB
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: Mark Levy said: “As a young kid I grew up listening to the talkback kings and to be taking over a timeslot that’s been owned by a mentor and a friend ...
Excerpt: 'As a young kid I grew up listening to the talkback kings and to be taking over a timeslot that's been owned by a mentor and a friend for the last 20 years is something I am excited about and extremely honoured to do'
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: As we usher in a new era of 2GB Mornings, Mark will make the 9.00am-12.00pm timeslot his own, with a fresh take on what matters most to Sydneysiders.”...
Excerpt: 'As a young kid I grew up listening to the talkback kings and to be taking over a timeslot that's been owned by a mentor and a friend for the last 20 years is something I am excited about and extremely honoured to do'
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy closes restaurant to focus on radio—RadioInfo Australia
Cited text: So a restaurant investment was manageable.
Excerpt: When Levy first opened the restaurant, it seemed manageable alongside his existing radio commitments
https://radioinfo.com.au/news/mark-levy-closes-restaurant-to-focus-on-radio/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings
Cited text: He will broadcast throughout the summer period, continuing 2GB’s commitment to keeping its audience informed and entertained year-round with the very ...
Excerpt: Levy will broadcast throughout the summer period, continuing 2GB's commitment to keeping its audience informed and entertained year-round
https://www.2gb.com/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy to host 2GB Mornings—Nine for Brands
Cited text: 2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis said: “Over almost two decades, Mark Levy has proven himself to be one of Australia’s most gifted, hard-working and ve...
Excerpt: As station content manager Luke Davis noted: 'Over almost two decades, Mark Levy has proven himself to be one of Australia's most gifted, hard-working and versatile broadcasters—and a favourite of 2GB listeners'
https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/mark-levy-to-host-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy To Replace Ray Hadley On 2GB Mornings—B&T
Cited text: “Over almost two decades, Mark Levy has proven himself to be one of Australia’s most gifted, hard-working and versatile broadcasters—and a favourite...
Excerpt: As station content manager Luke Davis noted: 'Over almost two decades, Mark Levy has proven himself to be one of Australia's most gifted, hard-working and versatile broadcasters—and a favourite of 2GB listeners'
https://www.bandt.com.au/mark-levy-announced-as-ray-hadleys-replacements-on-2gb-mornings/
Mark Levy To Replace Ray Hadley On 2GB Mornings—B&T
Cited text: I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can’t wait to speak to our loyal listeners every morning about the issues affecting them in what’s sh...
Excerpt: 'I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can't wait to speak to our loyal listeners every morning about the issues affecting them in what's shaping up as an important election year'
https://www.bandt.com.au/mark-levy-announced-as-ray-hadleys-replacements-on-2gb-mornings/
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