Exciting story of Scottish restaurant group as it embarks on latest chapter |
The Glasgow-based restaurant group behind Di Maggio's and Café Andaluz, and now also Paesano and Sugo, has had quite the journey, writes Ian McConnell.
It has weathered recessions, the global financial crisis, Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, and its co-owners continue to have their eyes firmly focused on further expansion.
After writing about the expansion plans and latest financial results of the restaurant group behind Di Maggio’s and Café Andaluz, and now also Paesano and Sugo, I found myself reflecting on how far this business has come since it was founded more than four decades ago.
There was quite the buzz about the launch of Di Maggio’s back in the mid-1980s, with its Italian-American theme an eye-catching addition to the restaurant scene in Glasgow.
The DRG, as the Glasgow-based restaurant group owned by Mario Gizzi and Tony Conetta is branded these days, has had quite the journey as it has weathered recessions, the global financial crisis, Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.
To take just one of these huge challenges, Mr Conetta observed in early 2024: “Prior to Brexit, two-thirds of our staff came from overseas and predominantly from Europe. Every single hospitality business has faced the same challenges.”
Mr Gizzi highlighted major challenges faced by the hospitality sector on the costs front last week.
However, as revealed in my exclusive article in The Herald on The DRG’s latest financial results showing sharp rises in turnover and profits, he and Mr Conetta are focused on further expansion.
As well as the trials and tribulations........