this traditional italian restaurant was established in 2006 after a major refit to the premises. The present owners completely renovated the building, and converted the top floor flat into further restaurant space. The upstairs can be used for private functions and parties, with it’s own self-contained bar area, and lighting / sound facilities. When not used for functions, there is seating for 46, to compliment the large seating area for 42 covers downstairs. The husband and wife team have spent their working life in the italian cuisine trade, and have a great commitment to the business, which has shown through with the high levels of repeat bookings attained by restaurant. The business has enjoyed excellent reviews in the local press and has a 5 star hygiene certificate from the local authority. Offering à la carte dining at the high end of the market in the evening, with busy set-meal trade offered during lunch service and at the weekends, the business is proud to be capable of serving all types of customers at all times. With a range of price levels for both food, and a well thought-out complimentary wine list, the operation is slick and well planned for maximizing profit level. The lunch and weekend set-meal service offers two courses for £9.90, with the à la carte menu offering a traditional home cooked main meal for around £14.00. The wine list ranges from £12 - £45 per bottle. The business enjoys a prime high street town centre location in bedfordshire county. The business's turnover benefits from its prominent position and being without direct competition in the vicinity for quality italian dining. The business is situated among other successful and well-known high street shops, department stores, banks and building societies and benefits from the volume of footfall and passing trade. The business is primed for further growth, with planning and foundations in place to build a cold room extension to the well-equipped kitchen. The garden area has been completed for al fresco dining. Equipment: the restauarant has two separate service bars, upstairs and downstairs, with cash registers. Fully licensed and stocked for serving drinks. In the large kitchen, which has already been extended by the vendors, the chefs have excellent facilities at their disposal including, 2 pizza ovens, 2 large cookers, a double fridge, single fridge and single freezer. The are large stainless steal food preperation areas, and kitchen aides abound such as fryers, pasta making machines, dough mixers, and all required to operate a busy italian restauarnt supporting up-to 90 covers. Customer service: the restaurant considers simply that happy customers come back, and on that simple basis has maintained levels of product and service quality intended to best guarantee that happiness. The results of this commitment are evident in the degree of return custom and the reach of its reputation. Key strengths: with the major renovation completed, the business offers a well-fitted and finished modern dinning experience that draws customers. The reputation has grown for quality food from an experienced team, with a professional service from the kitchen to front of house. The flexibility now offered by the internal set-up, allow the restaurant to cater for all needs. Comfortably serving regular clientele downstairs, whilst providing a private self-contained function area upstairs for all occasions. Growth and expansion opportunities: with further marketing of the services offered to a wider audience, the business can accommodate more trade, and higher turn-over and profit margins. With a little further investment in a direct customer path from front of house to the completed garden area, the business will be able to offer a well presented outdoor eating experience. The reputation for quality has grown through-out this busy bedfordshire town, as such there are regular take-away customers. With the large kitchen facilities to hand, and with promotion, this could be turned into a profitable delivery service. There has been minimal corporate catering in the past, mainly focused on the odd company gathering. With direct promotion to the local business community, further group bookings and private functions could be won.
| Ownership: |
no |
| Lease: |
yes |
| Lease terms: |
The restaurant has 12 years remaining on a 15 year lease, and is fully renewable. Current rent is approx £20,000 per annum, with business rates of around £3,000 per annum. |
| Location: |
The restaurant has 12 years remaining on a 15 year lease, and is fully renewable. Current rent is approx £20,000 per annum, with business rates of around £3,000 per annum. The entire building was gutted and stripped bear, before being entirely renovated from the ground up in 2006. Approx £50,000 was spent on a large Kitchen extension including new kitchen equipment. With a further amount of £100,000 + spent on new flooring, service areas, general refurbishment, and high quality fixtures and fittings. The business now occupies circa 1000 sq ft of service space downstairs, with circa 600 sq ft of service area upstairs. There are male and female toilet facilities for customers on both floors, with storage and staff area on the first floor. At the rear of the building, the kitchen now occupies around 500 sq ft. |
