Who owns Rosso Manchester: Full statement as restaurant co-owned by Man Utd great Rio Ferdinand closes

The Italian restaurant announced the shock closure on Monday 18 September via Instagram post, informing followers that the final service took place the previous night and thanking customer for their support over the years

It read: “It wasn’t an easy decision to close this wonderful restaurant which has flourished into an icon of the Manchester restaurant and social scene. It feels like the right time to go out at the height of our popularity and look ahead to new horizons.”

Hundreds of customers have commented underneath, expressing both shock and sadness at the unexpected closure.

User juliepmather wrote: “Absolutely devastated. This has been our special place ever since it opened. We have celebrated all our special occasions there, and nearly every New Year’s Eve for fourteen years. Sasha and the team are the very best you could ask for. They feel like family to us and we will miss them dearly.”

User janet9swallow said: “Such sad news. I’ve been hundreds of times over the years. Fabulous cocktails, lovely staff, great food, lovely atmosphere always. All the best to everyone xx”

Support has also been offered to the staff at Rosso. The restaurant-theatre Impossible commented on Rosso’s announcement post advising staff to get in touch if they were seeking for work. Similarly, the Manchester Hospitality Network also advised staff to reach out for help.

What is Rosso?

Rosso opened in 2009 and is located in a historic, Grade II-listed former bank in the Spring Gardens area of the city centre.

In terms of its place on the Manchester food and drink scene, Rosso was among the higher end restaurants in the city centre. Its a la carte menu of modern Italian cuisine has a price range of around £18-20 for a starter and £20-45 for a main, with some more expensive dishes costing up to £90.

It had the reputation of being a popular celebrity hangout spot and  the restaurant proudly displayed the photographs of its VIPs on a gallery wall. Some of the notable names include Made in Chelsea and Coronation Street cast members, Harry Styles, Will I Am, David Beckham, James Cordon, and a whole host of footballers.

Who owns Rosso?

As well as a celebrity clientele, Rosso also has a celebrity co-owner, Rio Ferdinand. The former Manchester United footballer is a shareholder of the parent company the Italian Food Company, along with Nurez Kamani and Suleman Kamani.

The building is owned by Wilsmslow-based Dean Property Group. 

What have Rosso said?

The statement, which was also posted to the restaurant’s X (formerly Twitter) account, read: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our Rosso Restaurant & Bar. Last night, after nearly 14 years, we were delighted to hold a final service for our wonderful customers.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to close this wonderful restaurant which has flourished into an icon of the Manchester restaurant and social scene. It feels like the right time to go out at the height of our popularity and look ahead to new horizons.

“Rosso wouldn’t have been the same without our wider family, suppliers and our wonderful customers whom we have had the enviable pleasure of serving.

“We could not be more grateful to our Champions League winning staff both past and present. Our thanks go out to each and every one of them for making Rosso what we are today.

“We always believed we should close Rosso on a high and we thank each and every one of you for being part of our championship team.”

The restaurant signed off with “From Rosso with Love, Ciao for now,” which may hint at future projects, but nothing has been announced.

What to do if you need a refund?

Rosso bookings required a £20 per person deposit, therefore there will be customers that will need refunds for their unfulfilled future bookings. The Instagram post says that customers can request refunds by emailing Tina or Liam at [email protected].

Anyone with gift vouchers to Rosso will also be able to claim a refund in the same way.