Much-loved Italian restaurant once described as a ‘diamond’ by diners suddenly closes its doors after nea...

A BELOVED Italian restaurant once described as a "diamond" by diners has suddenly shut its doors after nearly 50 years of operations.

Santoro in Yarm, North Yorkshire, announced on its website that it had permanently closed its doors after a "wonderful 45 years of business."

The Italian restaurant was well reviewed online, with diners praising the kindness of staff and "excellent" quality of food.

However, the much-loved restaurant is no more, with both a sign in the venue's window and a post online confirming its demise.

The statement on the restaurant's website said: "After a wonderful 45 years of business, we have decided to permanently close our doors.

"We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone that has supported us over the years."

The restaurant was well-regarded in the Yorkshire town, which lies less than 5 miles south of Stockton-on-Tees.

One reviewer said in January: "Had a really lovely meal here before a show at the theatre.

"Outstanding service and really excellent quality food.

"Our experience was altogether positive and we can highly recommend this restaurant."

Another added in August last year: "Excellent customer service and food as always.

"Owners sons are clearly passionate about the business and share their father and Grandfathers ethos.

"Very pleasant experience thank you".

However, some negative reviews of the restaurant had begun to arise following the tragic death of its founding family member Vincenzo Serino in 2022.

One unhappy customer said in September: "This place was a diamond.

"It has lost its lustre.

"Adapt and take this in the spirit it’s meant or you will be dust within 12 months."

Sadly, the truth was even faster for the restaurant, as it would shut just six months later.

The restaurant has advised those concerned with voucher refunds to contact the venue via email following its closure.

No reason has been given behind Santoro's sudden shuttering.

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE

Many Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, only to then be hit with soaring energy bills and other pressures from inflation.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.

Craig Rachel, director at financial adviser AlixPartners, explained what had pushed businesses to close sites in 2024.

He said: "Restaurants have seen the accumulation of external pressures in 2024, including rising utility costs, food prices and labour costs.

"Although some of these factors have stabilised over recent months, the overall impact is significant and will be exacerbated again in 2025 following the budget announcements, and this has all affected profitability.

"Some restaurant groups have been able to mitigate this to a certain extent through operational efficiencies and pricing, but consumer spending in the sector is under pressure meaning price measures are often unable to fully bridge the gap."