A POPULAR restaurant is urging people to eat at local and independent eateries in a heartfelt plea.

Donatello Italian restaurant in Orford has been much-loved by pizza and pasta lovers for decades since it opened in the 1990s.

But despite being a staple of Warrington’s food scene, the Orford Lane establishment says it too is affected by steep rises in the cost of ingredients and essential items.

That is why it is encouraging people to choose independently owned local businesses when eating out to help them through difficult times.

In a statement, the restaurant said: “Next time you or your family decide to eat out, please chose a local independently owned restaurant.

“The past two-and-a-half years have been the most difficult years ever to own an independent restaurant.

“This is from being in multiple lockdowns and unable to trade, the price of ingredients skyrocketing, the fuel crisis, utility rises, staff shortages, staff wage rises and now the cost of living crisis which is affecting all our lives.”

Warrington Guardian: Donatello Italian restaurant on Orford Lane

The business says that since this time last year, the price of mozzarella has risen by 50 per cent, while vegetable oil has gone up a staggering 120 per cent and olive oil by 100 per cent.

Flour has experienced a 50 per cent increase, with the cost of double cream and pizza boxes rising by 25 per cent and 60 per cent respectively.

“From this, it is no wonder why we are now seeing so many great restaurants and eateries reluctantly closing down,” the statement continued.

“If we can make it through this, we can make it through anything.

“The restaurant business has always been notoriously difficult, hence why 80 per cent of restaurants close before their fifth year.

“Even as a restaurant that has been established since 1996, we have been hit hard by these times, so we cannot imagine the anxiety and stress new business owners must feel, who may well have took high levels of debt to begin their venture.

“We will be forever grateful to the people of Warrington for the support and love we receive. Please try to avoid chains and support local, even if it is not with us.”