A well-loved restaurant where everyone is treated "as a family" is closing after serving customers for more than 40 years in Bury town centre. Pizzeria Bella Italia on Bolton Street, which is run by owners Luisa Melidoni, her sister Michelle Desiderio and Luisa’s husband Salvatore Melidoni, has announced it will shut its doors for the last time in December. Read more: Overcrowding frustrations over Red Express X41 bus service Luisa said the venue is closing as Michelle was diagnosed with an illness in April, and has been off work until recently, and Salvatore, who is also the head chef, has been diagnosed with cancer.
Luisa said: “We just decided the time was right for us to retire. “There are no words to describe the reaction. Read more: Dad on track to Guinness World Record with triathlon challenge “Every day customers have come in and have had a story to tell us whether they have been coming since they were children or come to many birthday parties over the years.
” Salvatore in the kitchen (Image: Luisa Melidoni) The restaurant was first opened by Luisa and Michelle’s parents, Tino and Barbara Desiderio, in 1982, and when they retired in 2010, Luisa, Michelle and Salvatore took over. Luisa added: “They opened the first restaurant on The Rock called Casa Mia in 1978 and it was that busy, that when this building became available, my dad bought it and then he extended it twice.” Luisa, Salvatore, Michelle, Barbara and Tino (Image: Luisa Melidoni) Speaking abou.
