Italian chain Tony Macaroni is coming to Kilmarnock.
The pizza and pasta giant is bidding to move into the former Frankie & Benny’s premises in the town's Queen's Drive.
There are plans for the restaurant to open in July, it is understood, and council leader Douglas Reid indicated as many as 20 jobs could be created.
Councillors unanimously gave the venue the go ahead to sell alcohol in the restaurant at an East Ayrshire Council licensing board meeting today.
But they refused permission for off-sales as the local authority has strict alcohol rules surrounding new licenses. It assumes a policy of overprovision when looking at new licensing application.
Councillor Reid (SNP) said: “This is great news for the community with the cinema opening again too.
“This is a family-friendly restaurant and another attraction. It gives people the opportunity to spend their money locally. I think there could be 20-plus jobs available.”
OMOA Ltd submitted the application for the provisional premises license.
The licensing board paper said a “takeaway and home delivery service may be provided.”
The application was for licensing hours between Sunday and Thursday from 11am to midnight and Friday and Saturday between 11am and 1am.
Tony Macaroni, which has a number of restaurants in Scotland and Northern Ireland, recently opened its doors in Irvine.
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