The owner of a family-run Italian restaurant has said they are “excited to welcome customers” after some setbacks.
The Italyans will be opening its doors on February 1 at the site of the former McDowell’s Pie and Mash shop in Romford Shopping Hall.
It is expected to offer authentic flavours of southern Italy, with the eatery divided in three sections.
Francesco Madena, 32, the man behind the restaurant's vision told the Recorder that the first section will offer pizzas, the second will be a rotisserie that will have items like arancini on the menu, and the third is set to be a bakery serving croissants, coffee and desserts among other things.
All the food, he said, will be freshly prepared at the location.
The restaurant was set to open in October as previously reported by the Recorder.
However, Francesco said they met some roadblocks on the way - a key one being delays in getting deliveries of equipment.
Read More: The Italyans to replace McDowell’s Pie Shop in Romford
He said: “It has been such a nightmare. Because we are cooking everything fresh, we need the equipment.
"We were supposed to be getting everything by October, but that didn’t happen. Items were not in stock; we were waiting for the delivery company to get back to us.
“There wasn’t much we could do. It was all so stressful, so we decided it was better to wait until we get everything."
Francesco felt the stress and hard days at work partly triggered a health emergency for him at the beginning of December that held the opening back further.
After being hospitalised for two weeks, he said doctors suggested him to take a break to fully recover.
He added: “It has been very difficult for me after what happened. My parents and sister, who is also part of the business, were very scared and worried about me.
“The doctors knew I was starting a new food business, and they said I shouldn’t be here and take it easy but when I come here, I am calm and I can relax.
“This has been my dream and passion for ten years. I have put my everything, all my savings into this and I want to give it my best."
Francesco said he is on the road to recovery and the restaurant is almost ready for its opening.
He said: “We are very excited to welcome our customers. We want them to know what we are doing here. We want them to feel like a family."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here