Tony Macaroni plans to establish restaurant franchises throughout the country

04 August 2020

Scottish restaurant group, Tony Macaroni, is expanding its business model to create franchises throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Glasgow-based family-run chain of Italian restaurants believes its ambitious plans could see £50m invested in the hospitality sector over the next three years.

Tony Macaroni boss Sep Marini says the move will create up to 2,000 much-needed new jobs in the UK food and drink sector and 100 new restaurants – resulting in a Tony Macaroni restaurant in every UK town and city.

Part of the Viva Italia Group, Tony Macaroni opened its first restaurant in 2007 and now has 19 restaurants under its umbrella. It currently employs around 500 people across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sep says he’s looking for people with ambition and keen business brains that can take on the values of the Tony Macaroni brand and build on its huge success.

He said: “The next year to 18 months will be exciting for everyone at Tony Macaroni. We are perfectly positioned to come out of the Covid-19 storm even stronger and better than ever.
“Our restaurants have already seen pleasing levels of trade since lockdown has eased because of the strength of our brand and the quality of food and service.

“Ultimately, I want the brand to become a prized fixture in every city and large town across the UK – and whilst we will continue to open more restaurants ourselves across Scotland, the time is right for us to offer experienced franchise operators, with the best locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the chance to bring this much loved brand into their portfolios.”