Eats

Rio Ferdinand’s landmark Manchester restaurant Rosso announces it’s closing for good

Gutting news.

Danny Jones - 18th September 2023

Rosso, the popular city-centre restaurant and bar co-owned by Rio Ferdinand, has confirmed it will be closing its doors after nearly a decade and a half of business.

The former footballer’s Italian eatery has existed as a glamorous dining destination in Manchester for 14 years, with the ex-Manchester United star beginning his business portfolio with Rosso in November 2009, but the restaurant has now confirmed it will soon be shutting for good.

Issuing an emotional statement on social media, Rosso said, “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.”

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A post shared by Rosso Restaurant & Bar (@rossorestaurant)

The statement went on to say: “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.

“From Rosso with Love,
Ciao for now.”

The restaurant didn’t give any specifics as to the reasoning behind the King Street site shutting down, but given the ongoing cost of living crisis and businesses all over the country struggling to pay energy bills and rent prices, it shouldn’t come as too huge a shock.

It was only this past November that fellow footballer turned businessman, Gary Neville, confirmed that The Bull & Bear would be shutting after chef and owner Tom Kerridge said that energy bills at his restaurants had surged by over 600%.

As for co-owner Ferdinand, the 44-year-old is yet to issue a statement following Rosso’s unfortunate news, but will no doubt be heartbroken to see his flagship venture outside of football come to an end of so many years of success.

Rosso becomes just the latest casualty in a long line of hospitality closures in Manchester. In another shocking bit of Eats news, Oxford Road’s popular food village and trading hall Hatch revealed it has been bought out, with vendors given just a month to find a new home.