Iconic Guernsey restaurant changes hands
One of Guernsey’s busiest restaurants has been bought by its shareholders.
Nello and Della Ciotti have sold their majority share in Da Nello to the restaurant’s management team. The couple, who founded the popular Pollet eatery almost thirty-two years ago, say it’s time for a change, as Mr Ciotti explains: ‘Da Nello has a very strong team, which is more than ready to take the restaurant forward to the next stage. Della and I have really enjoyed building and growing the business but the time’s finally come to turn the page.’
Da Nello was bought this week for an undisclosed sum, by Head Chef Tim Vidamour and Restaurant Manager Manuel Teixeira, with their wives Fernanda and Isabel, along with Sous Chef Rivelino Rodrigues. The partners are now the sole owners of the popular 90-cover restaurant.
Local Head Chef Tim Vidamour, who joined Da Nello 31 years ago, says he is looking forward to developing the business: ‘Yes, it’s a big step and, like many islanders, we’re sad to see Della and Nello moving on, but it’s also a really exciting time for us.’ He adds: ‘Actually, the spirit of Nello will live on as he’s planning to keep his monthly joke boards going, in the ladies and gents, and I know he’s keen to stay involved in regularly updating the famous washing line.’
Restaurant Manager Manuel Teixeira paid tribute to the couple: ‘Nello and Della have worked so hard for over 30 years to build a very successful restaurant. We’ve learned a lot from them and are all proud to take on that legacy.’ He adds: ‘I’m sure we’ll be seeing them back here for the odd meal.’
Mr Ciotti says that the sale does not signal the start of a full retirement as the couple plan to focus on their other restaurant: ‘Della and I will be using our boat even more this summer, but we’ll also be playing a bigger part in the running of Mora.’
Mr & Mrs Ciotti launched Mora Restaurant & Grill, on the Quay, in February 2007 as a Guernsey and Norman themed restaurant.
Mr Ciotti says that he is looking forward to the change: ‘Mora still takes my breath away. It’s a really beautiful restaurant and we’re building a strong team, so Della and I are looking forward to helping to develop the business further.’
He says that the couple will be involved in a supporting role, on a day-to-day basis: ‘David, the Restaurant Manager, who is a true “Normand”, is very much front of house but we’ll be supporting him and the kitchen team.’ He adds: ‘We’re going to be working together on some ideas, which I think customers will like. It’s nice to focus on something different.’
Mr Ciotti reserved the last word for Da Nello’s new owners: ‘Della and I wish our friends and former partners the greatest success and look forward to enjoying Da Nello from the other side of the table. I hear it’s really not a bad place to eat.’