From wires to woodfire: French electrician sparks one of Australia’s fastest growing pizza brands
What do you get when you cross a French electrician with a passion for good food and a rebellious streak? One of Australia’s most memorable, and now fastest growing, independent pizza brands.
Mat Bourget, founder and group CEO of Il Locale Pizza, has gone from wiring switchboards to igniting taste buds across the country. What started as a single buzzing shop in Scarborough has quickly grown into a six-location powerhouse, with the business now powering up to expand nationally through a bold franchise rollout.
He was born in France and studied to become an electrician although, Mat’s pathway through life has taken him in a very different direction to maintaining and repairing electrical systems. Instead, he has arrived in Australia with the love of his life, Sophie, and created one of the most iconic pizza brands to hit the lips of Aussies.
“I had a light bulb moment literally,” said Bourget.
“I was on the tools one day and thought, why not create a pizza brand that’s wired for fun, big on flavour and full of real energy? So, I traded in volts for dough and Il Locale was born.”
Since its launch, Il Locale Pizza has become a local legend in Western Australia. Known for handmade sourdough bases, punchy toppings, and loud, unapologetic vibes, the brand has developed a cult following that stretches far beyond the slice. With six thriving company-owned stores, a $2 million seed raise underway and a franchise model set to launch in a few months. Il Locale is no longer just lighting up the west, it’s getting ready to switch on across the country.
“Our food is bold, our stores are buzzing, and our crew treats every shift like Friday night,” Bourget said.
“We’re not here to blend in, we’re here to flip the switch on what a pizza brand can be. Life’s better with pizza. This is our motto and it is going to change the nation.”
Behind the cheeky attitude is serious operational muscle. Il Locale has implemented a centralised production system to ensure consistency and scale, with strong digital marketing, a loyal community and a vibe that keeps the foot traffic flowing. It’s all part of the plan to build Australia’s most iconic independent pizza movement, one slice at a time.
“I wasn’t raised in a traditional pizza kitchen,” Bourget said.
“But I know the value of hard work, how to create something real and how to make people feel part of something bigger. Turns out that’s what people want in their pizza too.”
From a Scarborough side street to national franchising, Il Locale is a business built on bold flavours, honest energy and a founder who still gets his hands dirty, sometimes in flour instead of wires.
Bourget is inspirational, focused and determined to create something special.
About Il Locale Pizza
Founded in Perth by Mat Bourget, Il Locale Pizza is a fast-growing, independent pizza brand known for its sourdough artisan pizzas, modern Italian street food flavour and electric energy. With six locations and a national franchise program on the horizon, Il Locale is flipping the script on what it means to run a pizza business in Australia.
Website: www.illocalepizza.com.au
Instagram: @illocalebestinthewest
Founder Instagram: @mateuspipa
Osteria Concept: @osteriaillocale
Bodega Scarborough: @bodega_perth
