He was one of the most controversial grooms to ever walk down the aisle on Married At First Sight – and now Adrian Araouzou has swapped TV drama for pasta.
The 37-year-old, who clashed with his TV wife Awhina Rutene and was plagued by explosive headlines off-screen, has revealed he’s launched a new Italian takeaway business with his twin brother, James, in Melbourne.
The eatery, cheekily named Sauci, promises to deliver pasta the old-fashioned way – with no shortcuts, no packets, and no seed oils.
Adrian’s stint on MAFS was marked by scandal.
Viewers watched him dramatically walk out of a promo shoot after refusing to continue filming in sweltering conditions.
He later claimed he was told to pack his bags and leave production altogether.
He was one of the most controversial grooms to ever walk down the aisle on Married At First Sight – and now Adrian Araouzou (pictured) has swapped TV drama for pasta
The 37-year-old, who clashed with his TV wife Awhina Rutene (left) and was plagued by explosive headlines off-screen, has revealed he’s launched a new Italian takeaway business with his twin brother, James in Melbourne
On screen, Adrian was also accused of hypocrisy after blasting bride Awhina for her past infidelity, only for fans to later learn of his own history of cheating.
Despite the drama, Adrian insists life off-camera tells a different story – one of family, food and authenticity.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Adrian revealed the idea for Sauci had been simmering long before he signed up for the reality show.
‘We wanted to create a takeaway experience that feels like home. So often, takeaway leaves you feeling bloated and sluggish. But when we were travelling through Italy and Greece, we noticed the food didn’t make us feel that way. With Sauci, we wanted to bring that same feeling back home,’ he explained.
At the heart of the brand is Sauci Mama – a character inspired by the mum or nonna who makes comforting food with love.
‘She’s the one who cooks fresh, honest, comforting food made with love and the best quality ingredients,’ Adrian added.
Although many fans know Adrian as Greek, his mother’s side has deep Italian roots, which helped shape the concept.
‘While many know us as Greek, our mum’s side of the family actually has deep Italian roots. Her ancestors came to Kastellorizo, Greece, from Italy. So for us, Sauci is a celebration of both – our Greek upbringing and our Italian heritage.’
The eatery, cheekily named Sauci, promises to deliver pasta the old-fashioned way – with no shortcuts, no packets, and no seed oils. (Pictured with his family)
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Adrian revealed the idea for Sauci had been simmering long before he signed up for the reality show. (Adrian pictured with his brother James and co-star Rhi Disljenkovic)
‘We wanted to create a takeaway experience that feels like home,’ he explained
Adrian’s co-stars Jamie Marinos and Rhi were among the many celebrities to attend the restaurant launch in Melbourne last week
Love Triangle star Alan Wallace was also in attendance. Pictured alongside Melbourne socialite Anton and MAFS stars
Adrian says the business was two years in the making, spurred on by his family’s dream
Adrian says the business was two years in the making, spurred on by his family’s dream.
‘It’s always been our mum’s dream to open a place like this, and our travels through Europe really helped us shape the concept and bring it to life,’ he said.
While Melbourne is brimming with Italian restaurants, Adrian insists their model is unique.
‘We’re not trying to compete with Melbourne’s amazing Italian restaurants. What makes Sauci different is that we’re bringing the same care and quality you’d expect from a sit-down dining experience into a takeaway format.
‘Everything is made fresh on site – from the pasta to the sauces – using the best produce and ingredients.
It’s authentic, simple, and tastes like Nonna made it, but designed for busy people who still want real food.’
