A Glasgow hospitality group which owns a string of city eateries plan to open new restaurants in Newcastle and London.

DRG, founded in Glasgow in 1985 by Mario Gizzi and his uncle Joe Conetta, is now actively scouting for potential sites after revealing their plans. They operate  Di Maggio’s, Cafe Andaluz and Amarone in the city. 

Mario Gizzi, co-founder of DRG, said: "The reception to the Stockbridge Cafe Andaluz has been exceptional and is exactly why we chose that location.

"It’s another pillar in the progression of the business and we have plans to grow the brand further."

The group said further south, there is already a Cafe Andaluz in Newcastle whose success, since opening on Grey Street in 2021, has prompted the group to consider launching a second restaurant in the city.

DRG is also exploring potential locations for their first ever venue in London.

Mr Gizzi said: "We have a strong portfolio of brands across a broad range of sectors and food types, and our plans are about growing what we have.

"We are actively looking at a site for a second Cafe Andaluz in Newcastle, and beyond that we intend to take the brand and potentially other restaurants into London as well.

"We are researching suitable locations, and that includes the potential acquisition of other restaurant businesses with a view to converting sites into one of our existing brands if the opportunity is right."

The business has initiated training schemes like in-house modern apprenticeship to encourage more people to consider hospitality as a viable long-term career.