The new Bellagio Pizzeria had its grand opening in Blackburn over the weekend.
The Bellagio is on Darwen Street next to the oldest business in town - Ainsworth Jewellers - and one of the newest, Kings Castle diner.
The 26-seater halal restaurant takes up for the former spot of the Rimmers Music store. The new £200,000 venture will bring 18 new jobs in full and part-time roles to the town.
Following extensive interior and extensive renovations, the new restaurant will also include a Chaii Caffé Express counter and what is believed to be the ‘biggest’ pizza oven in town.
A sign inside in the restaurant details all the local wards and neighbourhoods across Blackburn from Ewood to Bastwell.
The Blackburn site opens ahead of plans to open a second in the coming year in Bradford.
Cllr Phil Riley and Blackburn MP Kate Hollern were joined by fellow councillors Tasleem Fazal, Iftikhar Hussain, Zamir Khan and Faryad Hussain to officially open the building. They were joined by Blackburn Iron Man contestant Kelvin Sole.
Spokesperson for the restaurant, Koolsum Dudha said: “We have been working very hard and it is great to be opening in what is a historic part of town.
“This area has seen major changes over the past five years and we are glad to be adding to the redevelopment of this stretch of road.
“Blackburn has some great food places but we know there is nothing like this. We have an authentic Italian menu with some great chefs and we hope to attract diners from across the county as well as the borough.”
The menu features a range of stone baked pizzas as well as lasagnes and pastas.
Koolsum added: “The prices are reasonable and we realise that families want great meals at affordable prices.”
The Chaii Caffé Express, which will serve up a range of desserts and bubble tea, is the second branch to open following the launch of the Chaii Caffé on Freckleton Street.
Cllr Tasleem Fazal who was at the launch said: “This stretch of road has some of the oldest businesses in town and it is great it is being rejuvenated by local entrepreneurs.
“It is great also to see the buildings being redeveloped and regenerated.
“The new restaurant is certainly something different for the town and we wish them the best of luck.”
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