A much-loved Glasgow city centre restaurant is closing for good after 17 years in business.
The family who operate Italian eatery Viva Ristorante on the corner of Bothwell Street and West Campbell Street confirmed "with a heavy heart" that the time has come for them to hang up their aprons.
Taking to social media to announce the sad news, they thanked their "wonderful" staff and customers - some of whom visited five times a week - as well as boss Marco for "17 long amazing eventful years" of operation in the heart of the city centre.
The good news is that sister restaurant Italian Kitchen on Ingram Street will remain open, with customers promised that Viva boss Marco "will still be dotting around" there.
The lengthy post on social media read: "Unfortunately, with a heavy heart, it’s now come time for us to hang up our aprons, put away our notepads and close the doors to our Viva for the last time. After 17 long amazing eventful years.
"First of all we’d like to thank not only the heart and soul of Viva but the best boss you could ever wish for, our Marco. You have made Viva all it is and put your blood sweat and tears for the past 17 years making Viva the amazing place it is today. We truly could not ask for a better boss, you have made us all the people we are today, and for that we will be forever grateful.
"The sacrifices you have made for staff, customers and Viva itself is extraordinary, and we will never be able to thank you enough. You are loved by so many people who come through the doors just to have a chat with you, and maybe the odd free focaccia! 77 Bothwell Street will always be Viva, and nothing will ever change that. Now get writing your ‘stories of Viva memoir’, we would LOVE to read this!
"Secondly a big thank you to all the wonderful staff that have been a part of the Viva family over the past 17 years. You have all made Viva, not only a great place to work, but also provide the amazing, friendly, professional atmosphere we are known for. From the front of house staff, to managers, to chefs, KP’s, part timers and long timers, we have all put so much of our life and our love into working at Viva, and it really really shows.
"We have all made friends for life through each of our times at Viva, from all the late nights out, millions of laughs, heart to hearts, crying in the servery, stuffing our faces on donuts Fridays, dying in the staff room and, of course, working together as the best team. Viva will always be home for a lot of us, and the memories we shared will be with us forever.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
"And of course, our wonderful customers. Whether you have only visited us once or 5 times a week (!!!) we will be forever grateful. We have made some amazing connections and forever friends with those coming in for a quick bite and chat! You all made Viva such a great place to work.
"We will never be able to thank everyone for the love and support you have all shown us throughout the past 17 years, especially during the last three years. Viva has also become home to a lot of you, and we know how gutting this news must be. We’d love to hear all of your favourite memories, food and photos from your visits, so please share these with us. We will miss seeing your faces and hope you can all keep in touch.
"But all is not lost. Our sister restaurant Italian Kitchen on Ingram Street is still up and running, and the food and service there are great! Marco will still be dotting around in the Italian Kitchen so go and convince him to put Penne Marco on the menu.
"The restaurant has said that anyone with reservations in the future or itison vouchers will be contacted in due course."
