The site was one of a number at risk of closure as bosses faced ‘rising costs’
Veeno bar in Leicester’s St Martin’s Square (Image: Google Street View)
An Italian restaurant in Leicester said is back to ‘business as usual’ following a restructure at company.
Veeno Bars, which opened in St Martin’s Square in Leicester in 2016, was among five remaining Veeno venues that were at risk of closure after the Italian chain’s bosses called in administrators in a bid to safeguard the business on Wednesday, April 8, amid issues with rising costs.
Administrators were called as the company struggled to stay afloat, but owners have said that the remaining restaurants – including Leicester’s – will be continuing to operate as normal under a “new company structure”.
Founder Nino Caruso has now reacquired the brand and is stepping back into a more hands-on operational role, marking a return to the company’s original vision.
He said: “It is business as usual at Veeno Leicester, as well as the group’s wider sites across the UK.
Founder Nico Caruso (Image: Veeno)
“The restructuring follows the closure of the Chester site, which faced significant structural damage due to the history of the building and this led to an ongoing landlord dispute and ultimately made trading unviable.
“We want to reassure our guests and partners that Veeno Leicester is trading as normal and continues to go from strength to strength. The issues we faced in Chester do not reflect the performance of the wider business.”
As part of the restructure, a new operating model has been introduced across all of the sites and Nino says that it has also “afforded the business the opportunity to reset and refocus”.
He said: “I’m stepping back into a more active role within the business so we can return to what Veeno has always been about, authentic Italian hospitality, exceptional wines, and a more personal, independent experience.
“Over time, we felt the business was beginning to be perceived as a chain, and that’s something we want to move away from. Our focus now is on our heritage, our roots, and delivering a simpler, more authentic offering that reflects our Sicilian identity.”
The new direction will see a greater emphasis on wines sourced directly from Veeno’s family vineyard in Sicily, which was set up by Nino’s great-grandfather, and is still owned by Nino and his family today.
New wine additions will include organic and small-batch wines, as well as exclusive labels developed in collaboration with partners. A more streamlined food menu has also been designed to complement the wine experience.
Nino said: “What we are doing is future-proofing the business and we want to make it clear that none of our sites are at risk of closure.
“Veeno Leicester continues to play an important role in the city’s hospitality scene and looks forward to building on its success, offering guests a genuine taste of Italy in the heart of the city.”
Dining and Cooking