Member Article

Culinary stars go it alone with new venture

A new independent restaurant serving up high quality Italian cuisine has opened in the region after a Yarm couple decided to exit their franchise agreement in favour of their own exciting enterprise.

Gemma and Chris Holloway have launched Lucia’s Italian Kitchen at the former site of Joe Riggatoni’s on Yarm High Street, which the couple ran for five years and built into one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

The entrepreneurial pair has now opted for a new challenge by launching a truly authentic Italian restaurant which promises a creative menu, high quality ingredients and a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

The venue, which is named after its creators’ daughter Lucy, has had a complete make-over, with some of the building’s original features being restored, new booth seating being introduced and the installation of several rustic Italian features.

The majority of the 15 members of staff that worked with the Holloways at their previous restaurant have stayed on at Lucia’s alongside the introduction of some new culinary staff that have strong reputations for their authentic Italian dishes.

Gemma said: “It has been a very exciting time refurbishing the restaurant and we can’t thank Jill and her team at Monsoon Interiors enough for their work around the clock to allow us to open this weekend.”

Chris added: “At Lucia’s Italian Kitchen we aim to offer an friendly and efficient service at great prices. Our new head chef and kitchen team have delivered a creative menu full of quality ingredients to provide high quality Italian food.”

The restaurant, at 44 High Street, is open from 12 noon until 2.30pm and 4.30pm until 10pm on Monday to Thursday and all day from 12 noon until 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday, closing at 9pm on a Sunday.

For more information or to view the restaurant’s menu of high quality Italian dishes, visit www.luciasitalianrestaurant.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .