A popular restaurant in Penwortham is to remain closed until the weekend following the death of its owner.

Salvatore’s in Liverpool Road has been a mainstay of eating out in and around Preston since the early 1990s.

The closure was announced on Friday (12 October) by a sign on the door and a post on social media.

Family-friend Derek Rogerson confirmed to Blog Preston the restaurant owner had passed away.

He said: “Salvatore would have been 62 on Christmas Eve. Margaret and I have been regular patrons at the restaurant ever since it opened. During the ensuing period we became friends with all the family.

“This was cemented when as editor of the Bamberbridgebulletin I wrote an article about the restaurant and the great supporting team.

“We had remained good friends until his very sad passing. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Derek shared a picture and heartfelt tribute on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2238811126351365&set=a.1381594205406399&type=3&theater

He said: “There will be many people in the Preston and South Ribble area who have visited Salvatore’s Italian restaurant in Penwortham and enjoyed the congenial company of mine host Salvatore.

“It was with a heavy heart that we recently heard the very sad news that he had passed away upon returning from Italy.

“Salvatore was a true gentleman, great restaurateur and a good friend. We have dined at this fabulous restaurant since its early days and were always greeted by Salvatore as though we were the most important diners in the restaurant.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time – R.I.P. Salvatore.”

A post by Brooks Accountants and comments left on the restaurant’s Facebook page paid tribute to Salvatore Vivace.

The Lytham-based finance firm said: “Today (Sunday) we heard the sad news that one of our lovely clients, Salvatore Vivace of Salvatore’s Ristorante: Penwortham, sadly passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

A statement on Facebook by the restaurant said: “Hi everyone. We are currently closed until next weekend. There is a notice on the door and all bookings made during this time are cancelled.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Thanks for your understanding. The team at Salvatore’s.”

Dozens of loyal customers have rushed to pay tribute to Salvatore in the comments under the Facebook post by the restaurant, thanking him for ‘bringing a touch of class back to Penwortham’ and describing him as a ‘gentleman’.

Read more: See all the latest Penwortham headlines

Did you know Salvatore? Ever dine there? You can leave your tributes in the comments below