A DUNBAR institution is closing its doors after 34 years of serving the local community.

Ristorante Umberto, better known as Umberto’s, first opened in April 1989 on Dunbar High Street, bringing Italian cuisine to the town.

Umberto Piscitelli moved to Scotland at the age of 21 from the town of Isernia, north of Naples.

He lived in Haddington until he bought the shop on Dunbar High Street.

A year later, he expanded the business by buying a neighbouring shop as the restaurant got “busier and busier over time”.

Umberto, 65, spoke to the Courier about the welcome he got when first arriving in Scotland.

He said: “We had lots of support from East Lothian, from the customers – the customers became friends as well. It’s been a lifetime for me here. It’s been a history.”

'Loads of stories'

And he added: “We catered lots for older people – they would come in here in the morning, sit in here and have a chat and we’d look after them.

“We had loads of stories to tell and loads of things have happened but I have lovely staff as well – they have been absolutely fantastic.”

The sad death of his wife last year and difficulties in recruiting staff were key factors in his decision.

Umberto said that the “time was right” to move on after losing his wife last year.

“My wife Isabella and I worked here together every day and, just last year, she died, unfortunately,” he said.

“I miss her a lot and I can’t do it myself – she was a good partner for me.”

He added: “And it’s so hard to get staff. It’s a problem in hospitality these days and I can’t do it all myself.”

'The right time'

Umberto stressed the importance of family life and said that he wanted to spend more time with his three children – Peter, Ivan and Sarah – six grandchildren and his mother.

He said: “It’s the right time [to stop] and I have to think of my health too.

“I have arthritis in my knee and I can’t spend 15 hours behind the counter anymore.

“I’ve also got my mum to look after – she’s 92 – and I’m hoping to spend time with the family as well, the grandkids, too.”

Umberto said that there would be much he would miss about working in the restaurant but thanked everyone who had helped make it so special.

He said: “The people, the company, the chat with the people – the customers became our friends, I spent my life with them and that’s what I’ll miss the most.

“They always made me so welcome in Dunbar.

“I would like to thank all of East Lothian and everyone who supported me over these years.”

'A major fixture'

Councillor Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council leader, described Umberto’s as “a major fixture in Dunbar High Street”.

Mr Hampshire, a ward councillor, said: “Umberto’s has been a really quality-run business and been really good for any visitors coming to the area.

“It is sad to see him go but nobody can go on forever.

“He has been very community supportive and lots of different community groups in the town have benefited from Umberto’s kindness.

“All of them will feel sad that he is now no longer going to be on High Street in one of the major businesses in the town centre.”

The restaurant will soon be under new management.