The long-awaited arrival of Tony Macaroni in Kilmarnock could be edging closer to becoming a reality.
The Italian chain was given the green light to open last June as they applied to East Ayrshire Council for permission to sell alcohol.
Last summer it was mooted that the pizza and pasta giant would open in July but the former Frankie & Benny's has remained empty ever since.
Since the closure of the Italian-American restaurant in 2020, the building has become an eyesore strewn with litter, boarded up windows and weeds overgrowing at the site.
But speculation about a recruitment drive for Tony Macaroni has fuelled rumours that the eaterie is close to opening.
On a social media jobs forum, positions have been advertised for the new venture.
The restaurant has apparently been trying to recruit a pizza chef, a pasta chef, trainee chef, starter chef, second chef along with kitchen porters.
And the advert states that the venue is aiming to be open by the end of March — which is not far away at all.
Despite this claim, it doesn't appear as if any work has been carried out at the venue yet.
We reported last year than as many as 20 jobs could be created at Tony Macaroni.
While a provisional premises license was granted, permission for off sales was refused as the local authority has strict alcohol rules surrounding new licenses. It assumes a policy of overprovision when looking at new licensing application.
OMOA Ltd submitted the application for the provisional premises license.
The licensing board paper said a “takeaway and home delivery service may be provided.”
The application was for licensing hours between Sunday and Thursday from 11am to midnight and Friday and Saturday between 11am and 1am.
Tony Macaroni, which has a number of restaurants in Scotland and Northern Ireland, also has a venue in Irvine and Largs.
Bosses at Tony Macaroni had not responded to our request for comment as this story was published.
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