Around 45 jobs are set to be created in Dundee when the city’s first Tony Macaroni restaurant opens in the city centre.
The new business will take over Papa Joe’s and Torino’s on Whitehall Street, altering the layout to create space for small-scale live music performances and private functions.
Tony Macaroni was given permission on Thursday to extend the venue’s alcohol sale hours, while becoming more family friendly by allowing children to eat their meals in all areas.
Papa Joe’s, which served Italian-American food, has been closed for refurbishments since January and existing staff are expected to be kept on after the re-launch, with additional hires in the pipeline.
The new premises will also increase its capacity by 60 due to its newly created basement space.
An agent for the company said: “The layout will be changed and the basement will act as a function suite.
“As part of the function suite there are plans to have live performances, but only on a small scale.
“Access for children and young people is to be extended to include attendance of functions.
“All existing staff from Papa Joe’s and Torino’s will be kept on and more will be hired.
“Tony Macaroni is a family restaurant and they want to bring their brand to Dundee.
“There are competent, experienced operators and there have not been any objections.”