Glasgow has reacted after the hugely popular Paesano and Sugo restaurants were bought by a hospitality group.
The DRG, owner of the Di Maggio’s, Café Andaluz, and Amarone, has bought the city’s two Paesano Pizza restaurants and Sugo Pasta for what is understood to be an eight-figure sum.
Bosses Mario Gizzi and Tony Conetta plan to expand both brands in other locations, despite the challenging economic backdrop.
READ MORE: Glasgow hospitality giant buys Paesano in eight-figure deal
Paesano and Sugo boss Paul Stevenson said selling the restaurants would allow the brands to expand while retaining the ethos and family ownership under which they have thrived.
Since the news broke, it has created a lively debate among loyal customers on social media.
Some fear that the independent eateries - known for their authentic Neopolitan pizzas and fresh pasta - could lose their quality if operating as a chain.
One said: "I hope they won't turn it into another sad chain with tasteless food..."
A second wrote: "Brilliant business model, consistently superb in its food and service. I now fear two of Glasgow’s greatest food assets will suffer from this sale."
A third added: "Really worried for what this means about the quality of Paesano and Sugo."
Meanwhile, others are feeling more positive that the family-run DRG Group will look after the ethos of the Paesano and Sugo brands.
One said: "Good luck DRG i am sure you will smash it. People have no idea the work these guys put in."
Another said: "A smart buyer will change little."
A third added: "More likely they will keep as is and expand the brand."
Mr Stevenson previously told our sister title The Herald: “I have had numerous approaches over the years from a wide variety of potential purchasers, including private equity groups and other big restaurant chains.
“However, having known the guys from The DRG for more than two decades, it very quickly became clear that they were a perfect fit to take Paesano and Sugo to the next stage of their growth.
“Paesano and Sugo have absolutely exceeded any expectations we had of them when we first launched the business almost a decade ago."
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here