IF you’re a fan of Italian food in Cheshire, you are likely to have eaten at a Piccolino – launched in Knutsford 25 years ago.

The iconic dining brand now welcomes more than 1.2 million guests every year to its 21 eateries across the country, with new restaurants in Henley-on-Thames and Marlow opening in this silver anniversary year. But Cheshire remains at the heart of the business.

There are eight Piccolinos across Bramhall, Chester, Didsbury, Hale, Knutsford, Stockton Heath, Wilmslow and Manchester city centre, and while the team behind the restaurants are justifiably proud of the food and drink, they feel the friendly, family atmosphere – where diners are known by name – is pivotal to the brand’s success.

CEO Andrew Garton joined the Individual Restaurants group – the owner of Piccolino and its sister Riva Blu and Restaurant Bar & Grill businesses – in January 2023.

The Knutsford Piccolino, where it all began a quarter of a century ago.  (Image: Individual Restaurants) ‘Our restaurants are a cornerstone for their communities and it’s a privilege to create great memories for our guests who have been with us over the years,’ he says.

‘We are a really hospitable business. It’s not just about great service; it’s about how we make people feel from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.

‘Piccolino is the engine room of our collection of restaurants. We want to be the people’s Italian restaurant, with amazing, fresh food.

‘We have competitors but we are the most welcoming restaurants in the North West. Our people make the business what it is.’

 

Andrew estimates 50 to 60 per cent of the staff working in Piccolino’s restaurants are Italian, with many team members working in the business for more than 20 years. The group’s investment in its staff was one of the factors that saw Individual Restaurants named in the Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Work list this year.

Head of operations Francesco Fiore has been part of the Piccolino family for 15 years after joining the Bramhall restaurant as a junior manager.

He says: ‘The essence of Piccolino has never changed. We have always been the hub of every community, and the place where people like to gather to celebrate. Our guests become our friends. This is what makes the brand so special.

‘The 25th anniversary is an opportunity for us to celebrate the memories and the special moments, and it’s a chance for our long-standing team members to look back too.’

Inside the original Piccolino in Knutsford.Inside the original Piccolino in Knutsford. (Image: Individual Restaurants) The Individual Restaurants group was acquired by Sir Malcolm Walker and Tarsem Dhaliwal in 2020. During the Covid pandemic, when lockdown hit the hospitality industry hard, the Piccolino 2 Go service meant that people could still order their favourite dishes and drinks for delivery to their door or collection from the restaurant.

‘Customers couldn’t come to us so we created ways that we could still be a part of their lives, with us being the community hub, especially in Cheshire.

‘I have special memories of when the rules relaxed and dining was allowed outside. Guests would be sitting out on our terrace even when it was raining because they had missed us so much.

‘We went above and beyond to keep the business going and our customers have stuck with us. Now we are the strongest we have ever been.’

Individual Restaurants CEP Andrew Garton: 'We have competitors but we are the most welcoming restaurants in the North West. Our people make the business what it is'Individual Restaurants CEP Andrew Garton: 'We have competitors but we are the most welcoming restaurants in the North West. Our people make the business what it is' (Image: Individual Restaurants) The launch of Wilmslow’s Piccolino last November introduced a new theatricality to the brand, with many dishes created at the table.

And now a new limited edition 1999-inspired menu has been launched across the brand in honour of the landmark birthday featuring a 25-layer wagyu lasagne, an exclusive ‘Italian 25’ cocktail and champagne from Piccolino’s 25th anniversary official partner, Moët & Chandon.

Andrew says: ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to celebrate with us through the delicious menu curated to mark this milestone in the story of Piccolino.

‘We take great care over the quality of food that we sell and source, and we create the most authentic dishes from the length and breadth of Italy. We are proud of what we do and we work hard to do a better job every day.’

A special dessert for a special occasion. A special dessert for a special occasion. (Image: Individual Restaurants) The group’s Loyalty scheme Club IR launched in January already has more than 100,000 members who can access personalised rewards, hospitality benefits and out-of-restaurant experiences such as clay pigeon shooting and vineyard tours. There are plans for Club IR Business, which will be an invitation-only tier for business owners.

Andrew and Francesco agree the personal connection with their guests is at the heart of Piccolino. From encouraging family bookings and ‘letting children be children’ to treats such as a free cocktail for students celebrating their graduation, the little touches help to make the dining experience special.

Francesco says: ‘My favourite day of the year is Christmas Eve. People come year after year and book the same table every Christmas with us. A lot of our colleagues are away from home and we make it special.

‘There aren’t many places where you get recognised by name. We know what you like and how you like it and we honour those requests. Our guests feel at home.

‘There’s nothing better than walking in and recognising someone familiar. We are such a big brand but we make a human connection. It comes very naturally to us.’

For more information about the 25th anniversary menu or to book a table visit piccolinorestaurants.com