PIZZERIA Launches Expansion Plan After Success Of Delivery Service
A THRIVING Greenock restaurant looks set to create 10 jobs under plans to expand its takeaway and delivery operation.
Tonino’s Pizzeria hope to use part of the former Pyper’s Carpet Shop on the corner of Grey Place and West Blackhall Street in Greenock as a base.
The premises, which came into new ownership in 2019, have undergone extensive renovation and have been split into three units to help breathe new life into the highly visible site.
Drawings have now been submitted by Rebecchi Architectural to Inverclyde Council’s planning department to request approval for change of use of one of the units from retail to a hot food takeaway.
Tonino’s has enjoyed great success since opening at the opposite corner of Grey Place in 2016 and was recognised as Inverclyde’s best food and drink business by Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce in 2019 at its annual awards ceremony.
The additional base is expected to mean an increase of 10 new jobs from the current 20.
Tonino’s owner, Tony Bonatti said: “Like every business, we have had to adapt to the Covid-19 conditions and running both the deliveries and the restaurant from the same space has become more difficult.
“During the Covid-19 lockdown, we have successfully amended our business model to ensure we continue to operate, and naturally this has meant more focus on the delivery side of the business, which has proven to be very successful.
“Expanding the takeaway element of Tonino’s into the new unit will give us more space and allow for an enhanced delivery option while continuing to deliver the high-quality dining experience we have worked so hard to build over the past four years within the restaurant.
“We see an excellent opportunity to safeguard and further support the growth of the business following the mezzanine extension, which was installed to the restaurant in early 2020.”
Bowman Rebecchi has been appointed to support the marketing of the site, with the Gourock-based commercial property company experiencing a high level of interest in the refurbished units.
Marco Rebecchi, director of Bowman Rebecchi, said: “We are delighted to support Tony with his expansion plans and see a fantastic opportunity for this high-quality local food business to continue to grow.
“The renovation works to split the premises into three have been delivered to a high standard, and as a result, we continue to see interest in the two other highly-visible units.”
