The new owners of Paparazzi restaurant have assured patrons that nothing has changed under their management, with the same staff, same menu, and even the same red-checked tablecloths remaining in place.
Taking over from the Messineo family, new managers Susanne Meechan and Jas Bains are set to reopen the award-winning Italian restaurant on Saturday, May 9.
The Messineo family, who had run the business for 24 years, said that while the decision to close wasn’t easy, they were relieved and optimistic about the future.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone over the many years for your wonderful support,” they said on social media. “It has been a wonderful journey over the last 24 years with many highs and lows.”
Ms Meechan and Mr Bains, who will also act as a chef, said they decided to take over the restaurant because of their love for Mandurah.
“The potential here is enormous,” Ms Meechan said. “It’s relaxed, it’s family-oriented. I’m planning on moving here myself.”
Ms Meechan said they loved the homely atmosphere created by the Messineo family and intended to preserve it. She also said it was particularly important that they kept the original staff intact.
“We wanted to keep these guys in the job that they’re familiar with. It also helps us that they know the restaurant end to end,” she said.
Front-of-house staffer Andrea Di Ciano, who has worked at the restaurant for more than two years, said the new owners’ commitment to keeping Paparazzi’s legacy was great to hear.
“It’s always a shame when family businesses get taken over and turned into something else entirely,” he said. “Paparazzi’s is practically a piece of Mandurah history. Changing it would be like walking into an art museum and painting over the Mona Lisa. It was great to hear the new owners intended to keep it the same.”
Mr Di Ciano said many of the restaurant’s regular patrons were equally happy to hear it.
“We want the people who love Paparazzi to continue to come back,” Ms Meechan said. “Nothing has changed but two new faces, and I’m looking for new friends.”
The restaurant is now taking bookings for the Mother’s Day weekend.
