Tavernetta Ipswich boss Filippo Bonanno explains why he is selling his St Peter’s Street restaurant

The owner of an Italian eatery in Ipswich town centre has explained why he is selling his business after seven years.

Filippo Bonanno, 44, has been at the helm of Tavernetta, in St Peter’s Street, since March 2017.

When he took over, it was home to a ‘lovely bar’ but he wanted to offer the people of Ipswich a taste of Italian cuisine, he said.

However, a family emergency has called him back to Italy and he hopes to hand the keys over to another restaurateur.

Tavernetta is currently listed by Gilbert & Rose for £90,000.

Mr Bonanno told SuffolkNews: “My business is in a really good place right now and it has become something special.

“When I first opened, Ipswich accepted me, people were really welcoming.

“It was tough at first, but I built this business into a successful restaurant over time, with a message that if people wanted to try Italian food, I’m always here.

“There’s no political or other reason why I’m letting the business go, just something that has happened in my life. I lost my mother a few months ago and my plan is to return to Italy.

“We’re at a strong stage right now and I feel it’s a good time to sell this to a fresh face.”

Mr Bonanno has worked in the hospitality trade since he was 19. He moved to the UK in 2015 and worked at a pizzeria in Wimbledon before setting out on his own.

Tavernetta was the first business he ran himself.

Mr Bonanno gave thanks to both regular and new customers as he announced his departure.

According to Gilbert & Rose, Tavernetta has an annual turnover of about £208,000.

It is being sold as an established business, with all fixtures and fittings plus a fully-equipped kitchen.

In addition to Mr Bonanno, three other people work at Tavernetta, including a chef and a waitress.

He was unsure if they would stay on once he leaves, but he said he would offer them the chance to do so.

Mr Bonanno added: “It would be nice for the unit to continue as an Italian restaurant as I think it would be good for the area.

“Places like this are needed.”