Bella Italia
Italian-inspired chain with over 90 UK and Ireland locations.
via Wikipedia: Bella Italia · see source
If you're craving Italian-inspired food in the UK or Ireland, Bella Italia is a chain of over 90 restaurants to consider. Originally called Bella Pasta, it is now part of The Big Table, which also runs Café Rouge, Frankie & Benny's, and Las Iguanas. The chain's history stretches back to two smaller chains, Pastificio and Pizzaland, and it has weathered ownership changes, a rebranding, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its menu focuses on pizza and pasta, complemented by Italian wines, beers, and soft drinks.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- London, England
- Industry
- Restaurant
- Parent
- The Big Table
Facts from the source article.
History
Bella Italia started life as two small restaurant chains – Pastificio and Pizzaland – both part of the Grand Metropolitan group. In February 1991, Michael Guthrie (former Chairman of Mecca Leisure Group) formed BrightReasons and bought the chains from Grand Metropolitan for £20m, rebranding Pastificio as Bella Pasta. In February 1993, BrightReasons purchased 43 Pizza Piazza and Prima Pasta restaurants from Rank Organisation for £20.25m, bringing the total to 165. A planned stock market flotation was announced in September 1994 but postponed in November. After a tough trading period in 1995, BrightReasons was put up for sale in November 1996 and acquired by Whitbread for £46m, then sold less than six years later for £25m to Tragus Holdings (later Casual Dining Group). In December 2002, the chain was rebranded as Bella Italia, with the first fully branded restaurant opening in Leeds. In 2007, a concession agreement with Center Parcs UK and Ireland led to Bella Italia restaurants at the Elveden and Whinfell sites, expanded in 2016 when Strada Restaurants at Center Parcs Sherwood and Longleat were rebranded. In September 2012, Bella Italia joined the Nectar loyalty card scheme as a redemption partner, and in September 2013 it partnered with the Gourmet Society. In May 2020, owner Casual Dining Group began working with advisors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2020, Casual Dining Group entered administration, with 35 Bella Italia outlets closing, including branches in Plymouth, Newbury, and Luton Airport.
Tipping and minimum wage
In 2009, the company was found to be threatening to dismiss waiting staff who did not get customers to pay tips by credit card rather than cash, as credit card tips were used to subsidise wages (which were usually the legal minimum). Following changes to tipping legislation effective 1 October 2009, Tragus Ltd reviewed and updated its policies so that all tips paid by credit or debit card, after a 10% deduction for administrative and other costs, were distributed through payroll to restaurant staff. In 2015, Bella Italia amended its policy to allow employees to keep all cash tips and share them voluntarily, and card tips are also kept in full. All restaurant employees receive tips in addition to the National Minimum Wage.
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