Father and son open new venue and announce plans for five more
FATHER and son restaurateurs Aldo and Anthony Cecchini have added another venue to their expanding portfolio of Ayrshire restaurants – and unveiled ambitious expansion plans.
The pair launched Cecchini’s in Prestwick and said they aim to open a further five venues over the next ten years.
The new venue on Prestwick’s Main Street joins Cecchini’s outlets in Ayr and Ardrossan. It has a staff of 20 taking the total number of employees across the Cecchinis’ business to 70.
The 70-cover Prestwick eatery features a menu of both Italian and British dishes; the family said all of its chefs have been to Italy for training.
“We believe that one of the best ways to ensure we deliver the best in Italian cooking is to ensure that the culinary expertise of our team follows the traditions of the country it represents,” said Anthony. “Recipes from Barga and Nonna Rita are our prize specialities.”
The new Prestwick restaurant comes around 20 years after the first Cecchini’s opened in Ayr’s Wellington Square in the mid-1990s. The father and son team opened Cecchini’s in Ardrossan in 2008.
And the pair reckon that Ayrshire – and Prestwick in particular – has become a hub for restaurants.
“This area is thriving and red hot for quality restaurants and bars,” said Anthony.
“It has become the epicentre for eating out and those seeking that exclusive gastronomic experience.
“Yes, there are a number of top quality restaurants already in Prestwick but we, like they, are offering specific ranges of food that a discerning clientele always appreciates.”
Aldo said his family has established a “proven track record” since he and wife Margo opened a coffee shop in Troon in the mid 1980s.
“We opened the harbour-side restaurant in Ardrossan overlooking the Clyde Marina just over six years ago and it has proved a tremendous success and a fine addition to our business,” he said.
“Investing in additional facilities like Ardrossan and now the new Prestwick restaurant fits exactly into our plan for future development of our business in other areas throughout the county. It is a very exciting time in this industry.”
