18 September 2023 , 19:05
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Rio Ferdinand’s popular Italian restaurant has been forced to close its doors just two years after a huge makeover.
The restaurant, located in Manchester city centre, had been a popular evening spot for a number of celebrities including pop band One Direction. It had been open since November 2009 and only underwent a lucrative refurbishment two years ago.
However, a statement on Instagram has confirmed that the eatery has already been forced to cease business. It read: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our Rosso Restaurant & Bar. Last night, after nearly 14 years, we were delighted to hold a final service for our wonderful customers.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to close this wonderful restaurant which has flourished into an icon of the Manchester restaurant and social scene. It feels like the right time to go out at the height of our popularity and look ahead to new horizons.
“Rosso wouldn’t have been the same without our wider family, suppliers and our wonderful customers whom we have had the enviable pleasure of serving.We could not be more grateful to our Champions League winning staff both past and present.
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“Our thanks go out to each and every one of them for making Rosso what we are today. We always believed we should close Rosso on a high and we thank each and every one of you for being part of our championship team.”
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The venue was previously decked out in grey, red and black in what was thought to be a nod to Ferdinand’s former employers Manchester United. The restaurant’s name - Rosso - is also the Italian word for Red.
Ferdinand gave a video tour of the restaurant back in 2017, whilst he also offered punters who were Old Trafford season ticket holders a 20% discount back in 2013 to celebrate the club’s 20th league title. Speaking at the time, the former defender said: “It’s great to do something positive with Rosso for fans to celebrate such a fantastic win – we’re keen for fans to come in and enjoy the restaurant as much as they like throughout the period and toast 20 with us!”
Ferdinand actually holds 25 shares in Rosso’s parent firm The Italian Food Company. Suleman Kamani also retains a quarter of the shares, with Nurez Kamani being the majority shareholder with 50 of his own.
It remains to be seen what now becomes of the premises formerly occupied by the restaurant on King Street in Manchester. Its signage already appears to have been removed from the former bank building.