Discover the secrets of San Carlo at our networking lunch

San Carlo Restaurant Group chief executive Marcello Distefano will be sharing secrets behind the group’s phenomenal growth at the freshly refurbished North Leeds restaurant, The Flying Pizza, on Friday 12 July.

As well as a chance to see the results of  San Carlo’s £2m revamp, you’ll have the chance to network with fellow professionals, enjoy a two-course lunch and hear from Marcello.

Marcello Distefano, chief executive, San Carlo Restaurant Group

The family-owned San Carlo Restaurant Group has grown into one of the UK’s leading chains since it was founded in Birmingham in 1992. When Marcello joined in 2005, the group had just opened its fourth restaurant in Manchester.

It currently runs eight core restaurants in major UK cities, alongside 16 speciality concept restaurants – of which the San Carlo Flying Pizza is one.

Marcello sees the international market as a major growth pipeline for the group, which has established itself as a significant brand in the Middle and Far East, with nine international restaurants including Dubai, Riyadh, Bangkok.

The group plans further international expansion with 8 sites to open in the next 18 months, including Miami, Bahrain, Vietnam, Ireland, Morocco and Istanbul.

But the Flying Pizza remains close to his heart. “We lived in Roundhay until I was seven years old. My family and I would eat at Flying Pizza every Sunday at the same table.

“The place was always buzzing with regulars who brought life and character to the restaurant. Adriano, the original owner, was a larger-than-life character who epitomised the role of an Italian restaurant owner. My father still keeps in touch with him.”

Join Marcello and TheBusinessDesk.com at our networking lunch from noon to 3pm on Friday 12 July. Book your tickets here.