A RESTAURATEUR with more than three decades of experience in the industry is returning to his roots to launch a new venture back where it all began.

Paolo Arceri operated the well-known Joe Rigatoni’s restaurant chain, which had a prime position off Darlington town centre’s Grange Road, with a reputation to match.

However, the 50-year-old businessman took the decision to close the Italian eatery in Darlington and Middlesbrough before refurbishing the sites to re-open as soul and Motown cocktail bar, Macy Brown’s, in 2017.

His retro bar venture has since moved into the cellar of the Imperial Centre on Grange Road in Darlington – the former site of Quinn’s Café, Bar & Bistro and Joe’s Rigatoni’s and Joe’s bar.

The upstairs portion of the unmistakable building has since been transformed into Mr Arceri’s new restaurant – San Paolo.

Mr Arceri said: “I have over 30 years of experience of working in the restaurant business and it’s exciting to be bringing a new concept to the town centre.

“Cicchetti trattoria is traditional Italian food, but with a modern twist and it’s already proving a hit with our customers.

“We are offering something a bit different and with a new Italian team on board, we will be priding ourselves on quality and the authenticity of the food.”

Mr Arceri’s Joe Rigatoni’s restaurant become a popular choice for diners in Darlington as it stood for two decades on the corner of Grange Road, Blackwellgate and Coniscliffe Road.

The eatery promises an “authentic” Italian experience, with the menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside Italian style tapas known as cicchetti trattoria.

San Paolo opened with a soft launch earlier this month, however the town is expected to come together to celebrate a rebrand of the area and all it has to offer.

The Imperial Centre has proved the inspiration for the new Imperial Quarter in Darlington, bringing together the town’s nightlife, restaurants, café culture and couture shops.

The new quarter will be officially launched on Grange Road on November 29, with an event open to the public.

San Paolo is open daily from 10am and tables can be booked by calling 01325-489444.