Don Salvo rethinks plans to quit Wolves city centre

ITALIAN restaurant Don Salvo has agreed to stay in central Wolverhampton after previously saying it would quit because of the decline of the city centre.

The owners of the popular restaurant in Darlington Street said they would relocate elsewhere but have reversed the decision after organising talks with other local businesses, Wolverhampton City Council and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce to try and find a way of improving the image of the city centre.

Don Salvo was opened in the city by Sicilian Salvatore Ferrante 22 years ago as Geppetto’s. The family spent more than £500,000 on a rebrand seven years ago as Don Salvo Ristorante Italiano. A recent refurbishment now offers a first floor cocktail bar with mixologist at weekends, with space for functions, live music, business conferences and private parties.

The city centre Don Salvo is now run by sons James and Mathew Drago Ferrante, with father Salvatore having recently extended the brand to The Mitre at Lower Green, Tettenhall.

James Drago said: “We considered quitting Wolverhampton because of our concerns about what seems to be the continuing decline of the city centre.
“We are proud Wulfrunians and run a successful enterprise, but we’ve noticed a steady decline over the last five years, with big retail names and businesses relocating and an increase in delinquent behaviour.

“I’m heartened that the Chamber of Commerce understands the importance of attracting people into the city centre, but we need to tackle problems now before the situation deteriorates further.”

Cllr Peter Bilson, cabinet member for economic regeneration and deputy leader of Wolverhampton city council said: “I’m delighted to be working with businesses and other partners in order to ensure we have a well-managed city that encourages people to visit our centre, enjoy what we have to offer and enables business to flourish. Through collaborative working I am sure that we can achieve an improved Wolverhampton for everyone.”

Margaret Corneby, chief executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m delighted that Don Salvo has decided to stay in Wolverhampton. Don Salvo has shown unswerving commitment to the city and it’s important that their voices are heard and they are supported by the business community and fellow Chamber members.”