Clydesdale backs £1m Italian Kitchen takeover

The pair, who own the 120-cover Viva Ristorante in the city’s Bothwell Street, bought the restaurant in Ingram Street from Paul Stevenson, who has sold up to pursue other business interests, rumoured to be a new restaurant in the city’s Miller Street.

Robert Gibson of Clydesdale Bank said: “Richard and Marco have built Viva Ristorante into a highly successful business with a reputation for good value, quality food.

“We have no doubts that they will make a similar success of The Italian Kitchen and look forward to working in partnership with them as they continue to develop the business.”

Mr Laciok and Mr Mozzachiodi, who have owned Via Ristorante for more than 10 years, have retained the 22-strong team at the Italian Kitchen, and are planning to make changes to the menu and carry out some renovation works.

Mr Laciok said: “We’re extremely pleased to have become the new owners of The Italian Kitchen.

We’ve got some great chefs and a very experienced front-of-house team, and the quality of the food is fantastic.

“When the restaurant came on the market we had to move quickly to secure the sale.”