Member Article

Restaurant manager cooks up success with promotion

A manager is top of the class after taking inspiration from entrepreneurial siblings at a Newcastle Italian restaurant.

Joel Darby, 24, who lives in Ouseburn, has been promoted to manager at Pasqualino’s Bar-Pizzeria on Market Street, after being mentored by the restaurant’s owners - Geordie-Italians Aldo, Joseph and Cristina De Giorgi.

Joel is completing an NVQ in Management through Wallsend-based training company Future Strategies, which includes on the job training and theory, and he has been advised by the De Giorgis throughout his course.

He has now stepped up to manage Pasqualino’s, which is located within the Theatre Royal, and is also responsible for running each of the theatre’s bars.

Joel’s introduction to the hospitality industry began when he worked for the Risi family selling ice cream on the quayside, before he met the De Giorgi family and worked in their restaurants.

He said: “It’s been really beneficial to study for a management qualification and carry on working at the same time. I’ve learned so much about Newcastle’s restaurant industry from the De Giorgis, and it’s great to work for an independent company in the heart of the city.”

Cristina De Giorgi said: “Joel is a true asset to the company - he has the patience, versatility and enthusiasm needed for the job, and it’s been very rewarding to see him grow and develop here.”

The De Giorgi siblings are well known in the Newcastle dining scene, having created some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants including Paradiso, Popolo, Intermezzo, Alvinos, Secco, Don Vito’s and 9Bar Coffee.

Pasqualino’s celebrated its first anniversary last month and the De Giorgis have just invested in a £100,000 open kitchen refurbishment.

The restaurant is offering 20% off cocktails in the bar area from 9.30pm until late. The offer is valid until 30 May and can be redeemed by visiting www.pasqualinos.co.uk and printing off the offer form.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Uniquethinking PR team .