A CHEF with a passion for pizza has fulfilled his lifelong dream by opening up his own restaurant in Greenock.

Tony Bonatti was only 14 when he set his sights on running his own business.
His milestone 30th birthday inspired him to go for it.

He said: “It sounds extra cheesy but this is my dream. 

“My first job was working at a pizzeria in the south side of Glasgow and I love cooking and I love working with people.

“I love everything about pizza, the history of it.

“It’s such an easy dish but it tastes so good.

“I’m passionate about coffee as well and stock Portioli, coming from a small family business in Milan, and I have a nice selection of wines.”

By opening Tonino’s in Grey Place Tony has also created new jobs - and the next step is to take on delivery drivers for home orders.

Tony said: “I’ve taken on 10 people in total.

“At the moment we offer sit-in and takeaway orders but I’m going to add to that by taking on delivery drivers.”

Tony, who lives in Gourock, has close family ties with Inverclyde.

His father Stefano Bonatti runs Bongio in Inverkip and formerly owned Manor Vehicles in Gourock for 20 years.

Tony has worked in all aspects of the industry, including making pizzas for his dad’s shop as well as managing Cafe Bongio.

He learned his trade in coffee shops and restaurants and has organised events at big hotels.

More recently he worked for mobile giant EE and says he has got to know the area and local people.

He says he spotted the site in Grey Place three years ago and was swift to snap it up when it became available.

He said: “It’s a great location, with the cruise ships coming in and there’s lots happening.

“I always had this idea in the back of my mind. I turned 30 and my sister had a baby and I thought, ‘I’m doing this’.”

Tony said: “This kind of restaurant is very popular elsewhere, so why not Greenock?

“Inverclyde is a lovely part of the world.”

Photo: George Munro