The Carney Brothers Behind Gemelli Italian On Great Food, Family Roots, And Building A Hospitality Empire

FLAVOUR RUNS IN THE FAMILY By Natalie McGowan | 6th November 2025

Twins Alec and James Carney are building an empire – one Italian restaurant at a time. As any Italian will tell you, food isn’t just nourishment, it’s a way of life. For Alec and James, co-owners of six thriving Italian hospitality ventures across Queensland, it couldn’t be truer.

Born and raised in Griffith, New South Wales – a town known for its strong Italian and agricultural community – the Carney twins grew up around food, and plenty of it. From cooking alongside their mother and working in their godfather’s restaurant, to the annual ritual of making sauce and salami with their Nonno, hospitality was always a no-brainer, and one that would eventually inspire their first restaurant, Gemelli Broadbeach, at just 19 years old.

Fittingly, Gemelli means “twins” in Italian – a name that pays homage to their upbringing and heritage.

Over the years, and through many ups and downs, Alec and James have grown their hospitality group into a true celebration of rustic, honest Italian food made with heart. When they opened Gemelli James St in Brisbane four years ago, it marked a bold new chapter, bringing their signature family-style eats to one of the city’s most coveted dining precincts.

At Gemelli James St, the menu feels like an open invitation to the Carney family table. Written by the brothers, it’s a mix of time-honoured recipes, regional favourites, and dishes inspired by the brothers’ childhood in Griffith. When asked for his go-to dish, Alec doesn’t hesitate: “The rigatoni – it’s one of Mum’s recipes.”

Everything at Gemelli is made by hand – from the pasta and pizza dough to the gelato and bread. “We use the highest quality products, and it really shows,” Alec says. “Our food might seem simple, but the quality shines through. When you’re here, it feels like you’ve stepped into your Nonna’s kitchen.”

As the festive season approaches, Gemelli’s new private dining room has become one of Brisbane’s most sought-after spots for Christmas celebrations. Seating up to 60 guests, the space can be curtained off for a more intimate feel, complete with the restaurant’s signature charm and crowd-pleasing menu.

For the Carney twins, that’s what success looks like. “Seeing people leave happy,” Alec says. “That’s always been the goal. We just want people to experience what we did growing up as kids. It’s not about being fancy – just good food.”

Taste for yourself and book your table at Gemelli Italian on James Street here.

Imagery: @gemelliitalian

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