A POPULAR Italian restaurant in Newport has been sold to new owners with the current owners set to retire.
The owners of Villa Dino, on Chepstow Road, will say farewell to the popular venue on March 18 after more than 38 years in business.
Husband and wife Dino and Tracey Gulotta opened the property in October 1984 aong with Dino's father and it was one of Newport’s first Italian restaurants.
The couple announced in February that they accepted an offer from a gentleman who hopes to keep it as a restaurant.
Villa Dino pictured when it first opened in 1984. Picture: Villa Dino
Speaking to the Argus Mr Gulotta told us of his retirement plans, saying: “It is going to be emotional when the day comes next week, but it is something that's got to be done.
“I’m 66 now and cant carry on forever, it's time to move on. It is going to be difficult to have to finish but things come to an end at some point.
“My family are pleased about the decision, they can see me, and my wife are more relaxed, as we have been running it independently for years with loyal staff.
“I have only met the new owner once, and he plans to a restaurant, with accommodation upstairs.”
Dino (left) with his father Biago (right) on the opening day of Villa Dino. Picture: Villa Dino
Mr and Mrs Gulotta plan to spend their retirement with family, and attending their grandchildren’s football and netball games.
Their granddaughter recently became the under 14s formation champion and the couple say now is the perfect time to retire.
He added: “No plans yet, but hopefully I can spend more time with my two children and four grandchildren to do stuff that I wouldn’t usually do.
“It will be nice to go out on a Saturday night without being the entertainment, being invited to weddings that I can go to.
PRESENT: Villa Dino as it is today, closes March 18th. Picture: Villa Dino
“I have never had a New Year's Eve off, all of those things people take for granted. In the catering business you can't do it.
“I have missed so many weddings where I have been asked to be the best man, but they were always on a Saturday, and I had to refuse.
“Now I can enjoy time with my grandchildren and dedicate more time to my grassroots football club.”
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