In 2017 in peak summer time, a new boss at Franco’s was ready to shine. For 46 years, the first owners had thrived, now the Vita family had arrived. I, Pino came to Scotland in 1992 full of charisma for pastures new.

I had a lot of Mediterranean cheer and went to Antonio’s restaurant to launch my career. With the weather to withstand and English to learn, romance was not my major concern. But Rochelle was in my cousins’ culinary clan; and I knew it wasn’t a flash in the pan. Now for nearly thirty years our hearts have entwined, dreams realised and memories combined. In 1994, our family began, with three bambinos to add to our marital plan. With due figlia and uno figlio, we had been given the ultimate trio. And with the youthful exuberance and flair they bring. Franco’s gains from the Vita offspring.

Riccardo’s Pizzas are the jewel in the crown, with two hundred a night eaten in town. The customers receive mouth-watering elation, with ingredients in circular cultivation. Daniela and Francesca keep the punters happy, with their orders freshly cooked and snappy. Even Roz, the mother in law of my dreams, keep things ticking over behind the scenes. With it’s royal blue uniforms and pristine signs, Franco’s is a takeaway sublime.

My lucky charm Italian map, makes everyone’s holiday tales unwrap. “Sands” is a charity close to Franco’s heart and with spare change the clients are willing to part. Me and Rochelle do marathons with ease, to give the charity financial reprise.

Our online reviews are humbling and glowing, with praise and plenty of compliments flowing. They love our new pasta range, with carbonara, infused vodka and of course bolognaise. Adoration for our traditional fish, with hot chips to complete a guilty wish. We do vegetarian and gluten free, satisfying every
dinner time plea.

But the compliment we receive above all others, is when our family ties are discovered. Not a faceless chain but family members, that’s what our regulars choose to remember