We like to think of Salvo's as one big happy family which includes all members of the Salvo's team, old and new. If you have worked at Salvo's at any point in time over our many years in business then we would dearly love to hear from you and what you have been up to since you flew the Salvo's nest. Please use our flown the nest form to let us know what you are now up to. If you have any pictures of your own then why not send them to us on email to be included in this gallery below (email address is at the very bottom of this page). And if you are still in contact with any former staff members who are not listed below then why not give them a nudge to contribute, as we want to have as many staff memories as possible on our web site. Thank you

SALVO'S FAMILY WHO HAVE FLOWN THE NEST
Dates shown indicate the time they spent working at Salvo's

Please click on anyone's name to link to their profile

Name: SINEAD QUIRKE

Worked at Salvo's: 2004 - 2008

What was your job? Everything

Where are you living now? Liverpool

What are you doing? At the moment i have started studying Primary Education with Early Childhood Studies and so far love the course.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with?Gosh there's sooooo many memories from my time at Salvo's, where do I begin??? Well first of all there was Jenn and Harvey who were my first managers to begin with and the team consisted of many Italians, who were always a good laugh. Then there was Luc, the big french dude, up until Ian, Paul and Kaz (who I miss dearly). Salvo's was like my second home, I met so many people and had such a great time working there, especially going out and partying (thankyou for inventing the BOX!) There is so many memories and people I could mention I don't know where to begin... I am proud to say my very first job was at Salvo's, I loved my time there and the customers were great. I could go on forever (as you all know) but to sum it all up, I will miss you all, keep in touch, and good luck for the future. xx

Name: CAROLINE BRADLEY

Worked at Salvo's: 2007

What was your job? Salumeria Manager

Where are you living now? Hebden Bridge

What are you doing? Freelance journalism

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The food, the gorgeous, gorgeous food. Getting to find out all about it (and sample it) and having to order it from 57 different producers because only the best would do! I worked with the dynamic, devilish but also angelic Vania who can make coffees, slice salami in fact do anything quicker than any other human. I loved being part of the Salvo's team, all pulling together and the whole feeling of the day as a performance: opening up and preparing everything, whilst making coffees and chatting to regulars, then the lunchtime frenzy which if you were lucky would calm down in time to get everything cleaned and put away tidily ready for the next performance. I shall always sigh dreamily whenever I think about parma ham with mustard fruits and Tondo di Spagna olives and Tuscan fennel salami and gorgonzola naturale that can blow your socks off...

Name: CHRISTINA BOWLAND

Worked at Salvo's: 2005 - 2007

What was your job? Coffee girl mainly (Salumeria)

Where are you living now? Egypt (for now)

What are you doing? At the moment i live in Egypt working at the Four Seasons Hotel. I work in the spa as a beauty therapist. This is in Alexandria about 2hours away from Cairo. I started working here August 2007, my contract is 1year but I will be staying until christmas 08, then going to Sharm El Sheik for 2 months and hopefully going on a managment course after that for 6 months to a year travelling to all the FSH spas all around the world. Then eventually coming back to Leeds and setting up my own!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? There is so much I loved about working here. Met so many people and made so many new friends (especialy Sinead my best friend) The Salumeria was such an amazing place to work, Vania as ways made it fun then the new manager Gavino started. I also worked a few evenings doing the Events we did. Special Regional saturday nights were so fun to do. The chefs were always really nice too. It's one big happy family getting bigger and bigger. I miss everyone lots and I'll always pop in when ever I'm home, you will never get rid of me! xx

Name: GEMMA DAVID

Worked at Salvo's: 2005 - 2007

What was your job? Team Leader

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? Working as the Assistant Hotel Manager at Hazlewood Castle Hotel in Tadcaster

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? There isn't just one memory I can talk about when thinking of my time at Salvo's.  I've seen a change in menu, a change in decor, a change in staff but one thing that will never change is the fun and enthusiasm that is felt whenever you walk in the restaurant!!  Everyone there has a passion for food and work and there's always a fabulous atmosphere...Make sure that philosophy never changes!!

Name: LUC DAGUZAN

Worked at Salvo's: 2005 - 2007

What was your job? General Manager

Where are you living now? Skipton

What are you doing? General Manager, Piccolino, Ilkley

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Thanks for letting me share a couple of years of your history, it was great. Salvo's is all about the team and their passion for food ( owners, staffs and customers) always lots of drama in pure italian style. I loved it. Thanks to all of you and I wish you all a continious success for the next 30 years.
You all deserve it.  Luc

Name: CHRIS FRANZKOWIAK

Worked at Salvo's: 2005 - 2007

What was your job? Chef

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? I am currently working in Leeds, saving up money for a round the world trip at the beginning of next year. I'm hoping to travel around South America and Asia for about 6 months. On returning I plan to go back to University to study Contemporary Music Production, as other than food, music is my other big passion.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Working in the kitchen at Salvo's was possibly the most frantic two years of my life! It was definately the most rewarding though. I've become friends with some amazing people, that made the job what it was. I don't think I could pick out one overriding memory of working at Salvo's as there are just so many, but i suppose if I had to it would be Gip's hat! it got everywhere! As far as people go, I'd like to say a big thanks to the guys in the kitchen, especially Mick and Kev who somehow managed to create a relaxed atmosphere in a manic environment.

Name: EMMA BAYLIS

Worked at Salvo's: July-October 2006

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Adel, Leeds

What are you doing?Studying my a levels at Prince Henry's Grammar School

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Getting told off for not pronouncing 'Salumeria' right! Oh and Gavino dropping the till and money went EVERYWHERE

Name: JENNIFER ANNE STOTT

Worked at Salvo's: June 2004 - June 2006

What was your job? Bar Supervisor, then Assistant Manager

Where are you living now? Still in Leeds

What are you doing? I am working at Wagamama, which is a japanese restaurant on Greek Street. it is different to Salvo's in every way, and interesting to see the contrast. I am actually studying a degree in environmental health now, which is what I really want to do in life.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? There are 2 things that i still talk about regarding Salvo's: The first is Gip's love affair with food - it was really great to see the enthusiasm and passion that Gip has, and the lengths that he will go to to find the perfect ingredient. Nobody else can romanticise about food in such a manner! In most restaurants, ingredients are sourced based on price alone, but that is not the case at Salvo's, and people should know.
The second is the kitchen - considering most of the guys were quite young and Salvo's was their first job, they are the best kitchen team i have ever worked with! Mick is obviously a good teacher, which is probably due to his patience, and ability to remain calm under pressure (an attribute gained from having three kids, i imagine!) it is good to have high standards and never compromise.

Name: SARAH WHITEHEAD

Worked at Salvo's: June 2005 - September 2005

What was your job? Waitress and some bar tending

Where are you living now? Moscow, Russia

What are you doing? I'm teaching English to adults and teenagers working for a private language school which is part of International House. The adults are great, hardworking and interesting, the teenagers are just teenagers!  The life here's fabulous, if a little chilly, with loads of live music bars and arts events going on.  I haven't found a decent Italian restaurant anywhere, though, which is unfortunate as the summer turned me into a pasta addict.  Maybe Salvo's could fill the gap in the market here?!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? My overiding memory of Salvo's has to be running on a Saturday night trying to fit through the smallest gaps possible between the tables with Harvey claiming "there's always room for one more" and, unbelievably, there was!  That and the food and the lovely regulars who, although I was only there for a short period of time, know my entire life story and I theirs.  The glass of wine and the gorgeous pasta at the end of the night was very welcome of course. Thanks guys and see you next time I'm in the area.

Name: KATY POULSOM

Worked at Salvo's: September 2004 - March 2005

What was your job? Waitress (may be coming back soon for a few shifts a week though)

Where are you living now? Headingley

What are you doing? Working at Galaxy 105 and freelance at Chameleon TV

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The Spirali Pasta!

Name: MARIA FERREIRO

Worked at Salvo's: 2002 - 2005

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? London

What are you doing? I am Project Coordinator at Terrapin (an Australian multinational that organises conferences internationally).

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? One morning, some years ago, when I have just arrived from Madrid to complete my PhD in Leeds University, I entered Salvo's restaurant looking for a part time job. I was then interviewed by Gip, who told me "Your mission here is to entertain people". I found that mission absolutely fascinating. Yes, my years working at Salvo's were extraordinary happy and to work there enriched my life as I would have never expected, because Salvo's is all about extraordinary food and magic people. 

Name: MEIRAV SASSON

Worked at Salvo's: April 2004 - August 2004

What was your job? Starter Chef

Where are you living now? Kibbutz ravid, Galilee, Israel

What are you doing? I am working with youth at risk.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The people!!! the atmosphere ... I had the time of my life at Salvo's. People from all over the world and the calmest Head Chef ever made me learn a lot and made me feel at home. Also cooking food that is simply good!!! I generally love everything about Salvo's and the people that created it as it is!!!

Name: KATE RISKER

Worked at Salvo's: 2003-2004

What was your job? Waitress/host

Where are you living now? London Town

What are you doing?Event Management for Cybersonica (electronic music festival)

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? So many fond memories from working at Salvo's, it has to be the most popular, well organised and  consistently delicious restaurant that i have ever worked and eaten in and believe me there's been a few over the years! I was always in adoration of the food (as the chefs will confirm), and I gained in popularity as I took scrummy pizza back home to share with my housemates after work. Other highlights were Maurizio's flair with the ladies and Harvey's haircut!

Name: MELISSA McKENNY

Worked at Salvo's: 2002-2004

What was your job? Floor, Bar and also cashier.

Where are you living now? Epsom, Surrey

What are you doing? I'm about to begin my final year of a 3 year course at
Laine theatre arts. Along with my diploma in musical theatre and other exams
in dance, acting and singing, I am training to be a teacher. As I'm already
a qualified ballet teacher, I'll be working towards becoming a teacher of
other performing arts subjects this year. I'll be graduating next summer,
then hopefully I'll be lucky enough to get into a west end production, or
touring company, we'll just have to wait and see!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? A glass of wine and a marinara after work will always be my fondest memory of Salvos!

Name: NINA ROWLEY

Worked at Salvo's: 2001-2004 on/off whilst studying Hospitality at Leeds Met.

What was your job? Floor/Pass/DBB/Till/Bar/Chef/KP (not necessarily in that order!)

Where are you living now? Newcastle

What are you doing? Pub manager and Hospitlaity Recruitment Consultant

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? All the lovely people I worked with, and of course the slabs of lasagne and glasses of wine with Nickii and Kasha! I thoroughly enjoyed all of my time working there.

Name: HELEN FORSYTH

Worked at Salvo's: August 2001 - August 2003

What was your job? Cashier and Bar

Where are you living now? Living in Wakefield (with James, who I met out at the Atrium with Kasha!)

What are you doing? Working in a planning consultancy in Headingley, just up the road from Salvo's.  Also taking a part-time MSc in Urban and Regional Planning at Sheffield Hallam University.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? There are so many great memories I have of working at Salvo's: dancing behind the bar with Will and Warren one ridiculously busy Saturday evening, great nights out at the Atrium and HiFi etc, the occasional post-work glass of red wine and yummy pizzas.  I didn't really mind the frustration of cashing up until the early hours trying to figure out why the till was up/down (!) because of all the wonderful people that I met as a result of working at Salvo's, both staff and regulars.  It was hard work but a lot of fun at the same time, I will never forget working there!

Name: NICKI GRAY

Worked at Salvo's: During my second year at uni so it must have been 2001. I left to go to Bologna in September 2002

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Still in Leeds

What are you doing? I've been working almost a year now. I finished Uni in 2004 with a degree in Italian and Management Studies and started working for La Redoute Marketing Team. It's great, but unfortunately I don't get to speak much Italian as it's French fashion - although I am pushing for them to set up a Milan branch!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The food! In particular the lasagne! I spent so many saturday nights after work with Nina and a bottle of Wild Pig and the biggest wedge of lasagne we could convince Mick or Vahe to give us! It was always a great place to work. I was so glad I got the job - the atmosphere was always so vibrant and you knew you were serving up quality food and it just gets better every time I go back.

Name: THOMAS BARTON

Worked at Salvo's: 2000 to 2003

What was your job? Chef/server/bartender/cashier/bar manager

Where are you living now? Manchester

What are you doing? Since I left Salvo's I have been working for Living Ventures. Firstly at a bar in Leeds (prohibition), then got promoted and go around the country training restaurant staff and opening up new units for the company. We currently have 30+ restaurants including The Living Room and Blackhouse Grill concepts.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I remember many a messy night at the Atrium, Monday morning stocks, giggling in the office with Ruth some great times. I remember working with loads of people, far too many to mention. I also rememeber one of the busiest and best Italian restaurants ever with the best atmosphere and a great team.

Name: ALEX SPURLING

Worked at Salvo's:2000 to 2001

What was your job? Trainee chef

Where are you living now? Vancouver, Canada

What are you doing? I work as a financial planner. In my spare time I impress my friends with dinner parties using the skills I learned at Salvo's. Getting married next year.
What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Great team, great fun, Saturday night after work drinks, and some really great friends who I miss. Mick Leggiero's infinite patience with me and Max Hall's superb Creme Brulee recipe, which I still use to this day, glad to hear that he and Wendy got married. Best wishes to all those I knew at that time.

Name: WILL DE-FERRY FOSTER

Worked at Salvo's: 2000 to 2001

What was your job? Bar Manager and then Asst. Manager

Where are you living now? I am still in Norfolk

What are you doing? General Manager of Fishes
Restaurant (www.fishesrestaurant.co.uk), in Burnham Market (near Kings
Lynn).

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I have very fond memories of my time at Salvo's, and I think I have always tried to create the same sense of belonging to a family (not THE family!) that you had there, wherever I have worked since.

Name: HAYLEY DOYLE

Worked at Salvo's: 2001

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Manchester

What are you doing? Working as a receptionist at a restaurant called Gaucho grill. Still with Thomas! Every thing is going really well.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Staff nights out in the atrium! I worked with Debs, Wendy, James, Luke, Little Laura, Ria, Anouska, Polly, Helen, Kasha.

Name: JIMMY KEY

Worked at Salvo's: 1999

What was your job? Chef de Partie

Where are you living now? Bramhope

What are you doing? I am currently the Head Chef at Bar 166

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Working with a cracking team and having lots of fun but working HARD at the same time!

Name: ANDY LAWSON

Worked at Salvo's: 1999

What was your job? Chef d

Where are you living now? Horsforth

What are you doing? Have just taken head chef position at Bar 166 and bistro in Horsforth after working sous position for two years, have just got a new menu using local suppliers on the go. Going well so far!!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The best memory I have is the staff bonding, no where else I've worked since has had the same team feeling as Salvo's. The big Saturday nights out, waking up in some very random places! With very nasty hangovers! Working with a great team taught me lots about cooking high volume at speed!! Big respect to Gip, John and Mick Leggiero for making my time there spot on.

Name: KASHA FITZMAURICE

Worked at Salvo's: 1998 - 2001 on and off with breaks for travelling and uni

What was your job? Started off as coffee girl then moved through the ranks of Waitress/ Bar Staff/ Cashier then eventually Supervisor

Where are you living now? Back in Leeds temporarily

What are you doing? Just graduated from Newcastle University with a first in Philosophy. Trying to decide what to do with the rest of my life...failing to do so but feeling philosophical about it all!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? That's a tough one, most of them definately include a very large glass of red wine! From the early days it has to be John and his guitar at the end of the night, from the latter days probably putting  the world to rights with Debs and Wendy over another galss of wine or two. Meeting people who have remained good friends and others who I may have lost touch with but know if I met them in the pub we would never struggle for words reminising about our time at Salvo's. Oh and actually serving customers of course!

Name: ADAM FITZMAURICE

Worked at Salvo's: 1997 till 2001 (off and on)

What was your job? Everything from K.P., Chef to Waiter and Bar man

Where are you living now? Antigua, West Indies

What are you doing? I am the Managing Partner of a Southern Italian Restaurant called Abracadabra's ( www.theabracadabra.com ), in Antigua, and loving it! Currently the H.R. Manger but as usual in this industry have done, and do, pretty much anything required.... even the odd night of D.J.ing.... though still love working the floor and testing wine.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? To be honest there are so many, trying to name one is impossible. I do though remember learning what the essence of a real Italian family Restaurant truly is. Great food, good people, an amazing atmosphere... plus throw in some characters like Pinu, Gip and John, and great Chef like Mick and a real extended family of staff, and you have an amazing cocktail for success... once a Salvo's guy, always a Salvo's guy.... oh and learning the art of looking busy whilst doing absolutely nothing from John Hobley and playing poker till the early hours of the morning with Dave... thank you.

Name: NICOLA BOARDMAN

Worked at Salvo's: 1997 – 2000

What was your job?Till or DBB
Where are you living now? Shoreditch. London.

What are you doing? Working and living in London at the moment for a Management consultancy. I'm about to emigrate to Sydney in December so if anyone is heading out there, drop me a mail! Hoping to pop up to Leeds before I head overseas so maybe see you then!
What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? There are so many...mainly fuelled by a bottle of Pinot Grigio! The sing-songs, the poker nights, John Hobley & Big Dave, a great family atmosphere and yum food! Oh...and Justine!!

Name: ZOE FENNER (formerly Stone)

Worked at Salvo's: 1996 – 2000. Then at Salute

What was your job? I started as a part time waitress and then went on to be the assistant manager once I graduated. I then went on to run Salute when it opened.

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? At present I am the Customer Service Manager for Snozone at Xscape, Castleford. Although this is a move from the restaurant scene it is still customer focused which is what I enjoy!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? My overriding memory of my time at Salvo's is the fantastic people I met both staff and customers! It really wasn't like a job as it was so much fun! The hard work we all put in throughout service was rewarded with a drink or two (!) at the end of the night and maybe a sing song if we were lucky!!!

Name: CLARE LEGGIERO (formerly Halliday)

Worked at Salvo's: From 1993 - 2000

What was your job? Waitress and front of house

Where are you living now? I am still living in Leeds, with my husband Mick and our three son's Matteo, Luca and Joe.

What are you doing? I work for a National Children's charity NCH, working with 15-19 year old care leavers who have a learning disability and are preparing to live independently.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? So many fantastic memories of an unbelievable place to work. The staff, so many are still great friends, the customers, who still say hello to me in the street! The atmosphere, made it a pleasure to go to work. Not too mention, the occasional glass of vino!! John and his guitar, pinu shouting at me (he still does) and where I learnt to appreciate excellent food. Oh and meeting my husband Mick. We are one of many Salvo's marriages!!

Name: DAVID O'DONNEL

Worked at Salvo's: 1994 - 1999 (then odd shifts if needed until 2002)

What was your job? Restaurant Manager

Where are you living now? Bournemouth

What are you doing? Own Restaurant & Teashop called The Cosy Teapot

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The best memories I had are all the fantastic people I worked with & of course the late nights, sometimes with the guitar and tambourine, sometimes with a pack of cards but always with a good few pints.  Of course who could forget Pinu and the world's first triangle Pizza - one too many courvoisier. The customers were also very much part of the memory as there were so many regulars who added their own unique flavour to the overall ambience. Five years working at Salvo's and so many fantastic memories that it would be hard to list them all.  It really was a very special time in my life, so Salvo's and all the great people I worked with should stay in my memories for a long time.  Gip & John you had it spot on there with music, menus and staff - Thanks.

Name: ANGELA MURPHY

Worked at Salvo's: 1989 - 1999 (on and off)

What was your job? Jack of all ~ Master of none!

Where are you living now? Filey in North Yorkshire

What are you doing? Am now working as a resourse worker for north yorks county council.My son josh is now 11 and i also have a 4 year old daughter called lucy. All the guys were a big part of my life for a long time and i often think about all of you. xxx
What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Remeber many happy years and tears! The singing and shouting of our old Pinu, John and his guitar after a long busy shift. Dave, Julie, Max, Declan, Mick, Claire and so many more.

Name: EMMA JONES

Worked at Salvo's: 1995 - 1998

What was your job? Bar person

Where are you living now? London

What are you doing? I moved to London and worked for lastminute.com for 4 years as EA to the CEO and Co-founder. I left 2 years ago to work privately for the other co-founder Martha Lane Fox. At the moment I'm working on her latest business venture, Lucky Voice Private Karaoke overseeing the Press and Marketing www.luckyvoice.co.uk. I still come back home often and still eat at Salvo's as often as possible. I'm getting married at home in December this year so that's going to mean lots of trips up and hopefully lots of dinners out!
What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I LOVED my job at Salvo's. It was my first job after I left school and although I just worked during my Uni holidays I still managed to feel part of the family. I have memories of Pinu as a customer dating back to the mid-80's when my brother and I used to hassle him to let us make our own mini pizza's. I remember getting very drunk after work on several occasions, I remember JC taking my Jelly Babies hostage in the store room behind the bar and him hanging them from string from the shelves and biting their heads off, I remember Claire and Mark and Zoe and lots of others. The best thing though was always the Internazionale at the end of a shift. Is that bad?!

Name: PIPPA HALE

Worked at Salvo's: 1995 - 1998

What was your job? Drinks Bar Bill!

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? I'm now self employed as an artist and curator.  My work's changed a lot since I left Salvo's and I've reverted back to conceptual work which I studied at university - that simply means my art practice is ideas-led and the end product is manufactured or created using specialist services.  I'm also co-director of Vitrine a contemporary art project which programmes a series of glass display cabinets and retail window around Leeds city centre, a freelance marketing consultant currently based at East Street Arts, a member of Artsparkle and secretary of Leeds Visual Arts Forum (LVAF).  To find out more go to www.axisweb.org/seCVPG.aspx?ARTISTID=9936

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Lots of hard work, long hours on your feet and grumpy chefs (Max!) but I enjoyed the work and the banter with regular customers and of course the after-work drinking sessions with staff.

Name: LEAH HESTER

Worked at Salvo's: 1996 - 1997/8

What was your job? The Important Bit - On the Till !

Where are you living now? Baildon

What are you doing? Still running Artco Contemporary Fine Art, organising and coordinating art exhibitions and managing corporate art and picture framing business.  Juggling between being a mum to Elke who is now 2 and husband to Kevin who is a furniture designer and maker. 

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The banter - with the customers and the rest of the staff.  Particularly enjoyed after hours chat and a glass of wine to round the night off. A great vibe, lovely people to work for, and fantastic food!  It felt like going out and working at the same time!

Name: JOHN CLAYTON

Worked at Salvo's: 1994 - 1997 (I think it's all a bit of a blur!)

What was your job? "Work shy fop", official title Waiter then Bar Manager

Where are you living now? Liversedge

What are you doing? I work part time for First Direct Bank. Also buy, sell & repair vintage cigarette lighters, jewellery and look after are three children! (Salvo's was so much easier!)

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Salvo's was one of the best places I ever worked, the staff & the customers where great. Work was fun (sampling wine was tough though!) and when the work was done the winding down at the end of the night was great (double checking the wine was OK!) When you worked at Salvo's you felt you became part of the family. I miss all you guys. JC

Name: MICHAELA MATTHEWS

Worked at Salvo's: 1991 - 1997

What was your job? Waitress/cashier

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? Property management

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Friendships & vino

Name: ZIO PINUCCHIO

Worked at Salvo's: 1977 - 1996

What was your job? Maestro della pizza

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? I still visit the restaurant every morning before service , I need to keep my eyes on the boys, John and Gip often got distracted as children and they're not too old for a good telling off if they step out of line.
I make my own wine, grow vegetables and fruit in my greenhouse and look after my grandchildren Zalia and Miles. I like to spend a month or two in Italy in summer seeing family and old friends and getting a little sunshine

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I have beautiful memories of the many regular customers who came to eat my pizza, many would send  a nice courvoisier brandy to the pizza counter, I remembered what everyones favourite pizza was and never forgot a face!

Working with my brother in law Salvo, sharing a bottle of wine after work with Aldo, Angelo, Mario, Short in Brains, Kalimera (Janet), Mon Capitano (Gail), Sheamus (Caroline), Irish (Sharon) and all the other Salvo's Family over the years.

ZIO PINUCCIO passed away in March 2007
Yorkshire Evening Post tribute to Zio

Name: MAX HALL

Worked at Salvo's: 1989 - 1996

What was your job? Grumpy chef

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? I am working as a development chef for a food manufactoring company in Tadcaster. I married Wendy Harris who I met when she was working at Salvo's and we have just had a little girl, Ruby.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Saturday lunch - Walter - 1/2 Tag Pollo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! all the friends I made and miss! best wishes to you all. Max

Name: KATHRYN ABELL

Worked at Salvo's: 1994 - 1995 ish for about 18 months altogether

What was your job? Cashier and bar

Where are you living now? I live in Huesca, Aragon in Northern Spain.  (Nearest big city Zaragoza and close to the Pyrenees)

What are you doing? I am teaching English just for a few hours a week at a private company in Huesca.  I will be doing a part-time university post-graduate course in tourism after Christmas - in Spanish which is a bit of a challenge.  But mainly I am a housewife looking after 2 children, a dog and a big house!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? My main memory of Salvo's is the people that I worked with as there was great team spirit and genuine friendship between all the staff.  I worked with Dave, Zippo John, Claire, Esther, Polly, Julie, Ruth, and others whose faces I can picture but whose names escape me at the moment. (sorry!)

I will also never forget the night that all the girls took me out on my hen night in the summer of 1995 and pretty much gave me alcoholic poisoning - I was ill in bed for 3 days afterwards.  We went to a pizza place and the girls kindly ordered my pizza in the shape of a willy and then each bought me a drink from the top shelf to finish off.  Anyone who knows me knows that I don't drink, but that night I drank every last shot of varying colours, smells and tastes.  Martin (hubby) remembers the girls then dumping me on the front doorstep at home wrapped in bin liners and him having to drag me to the toilet where I stayed for the remainder of the night.  Thanks for the memories girls!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: ESTER McHUGH

Worked at Salvo's: 1994 - 1995

What was your job? I was a waitress, working behind the bar and on the till.

Where are you living now? In a small village outside of York

What are you doing? In July I will have worked for Persimmon Homes for 9 years. I was the Customer Care Manager and now I am the Sales Co-ordinator. Basically, I manage the Sales Advisors who work on our developments.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? My memory of my time at Salvo's is working with really nice people, cheesy I know, but we had such a good laugh when we were at work, when you weren't cracking the whip of course John! My mum reminded me the other day that I wasn't too fond of the long hours working lunchtime and evenings but you always forget those bits!!!

Name: ANGIE (ANTJE) MÜLLER

Worked at Salvo's: 1993 - 1995

What was your job? Kitchen

Where are you living now? Berlin, Germany

What are you doing? I work in the field of antiracism and antidiscrimination and give workshops in schools in Berlin. I am married and have a little son, Jesse, who is 8 months.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? "the afterparties" of the evening shifts and all the friends I made. Still miss you guys.

Name: MELISSA CHATTERJEE

Worked at Salvo's: 1993 - 1994

What was your job? Bar

Where are you living now? London

What are you doing? I am now an investment banker at Goldman Sachs in the City of London, where I have lived & worked for the last 8 years.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The amazing team spirit and happy working atmosphere. John & Gip were great, I remember Angie and Ruth with fondness and Pino of course!
Hope you are all still doing well.
Love Melissa x

Name: ALISON TINDALL

Worked at Salvo's: 1992 - 1993

What was your job? Cashier and Bar

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? Working at the University of Leeds

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Pinu's singing, his pizzas (mmmmm!), playing cards after work and the customers - can still remember the regulars at that time.  Although hard work, we all had a great time. There was Mick, Max, Kev and Pam in the kitchen and although I can picture most of the waiting staff, can't for the life of me remember their names - old age creeping in. It was fabulous place then and is still now.

Name: ANDREW SUGDEN

Worked at Salvo's: 1992 - 1993

What was your job? Waiter

Where are you living now? Back here in Leeds

What are you doing? After a few years 'down South' in Oxford and London I decided the time was right to return home. I took on the role of General Manager for the Hard Rock Cafe and have been settled now for 3 years.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I can remember John and Gip's uncle who made the pizzas and sang really loud, sometimes in tune!

Name: HAZEL BEGGS

Worked at Salvo's: 2000-2002

What was your job? Waitress/Bar

Where are you living now? Back home in sunny Northern Ireland!

What are you doing? Teaching Home Economics and Child Development in a Grammar School. I am married with two young sons, Robin, now 4, and Christopher, nearly 2.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Salvo's was my first ever job and kept me alive while I was a student at Leeds Met. (..lovely pizzas from Pinu and Hector to take home to share!!) Angela took me under her wing while I was there and made sure everyone was nice to me!!! I will never forget the night when John appeared at my flat to take me to work...I never realised that I was late until I got into work...my one and only clock had stopped! I thought he was just being really nice!! How embarrassing!! It still makes me cringe! I will never forget the great times spent singning and drinking(!), especially after a hectic shift or the many good friends I made and still think about. Hope you are all well xxx

Name: MARIA CROOKES (Formerly Leeman)

Worked at Salvo's: 1984 - 1991

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Rotherham

What are you doing?I am a Regional HR & Training Officer for Rainer http://www.rpsrainer.org.uk/gen/m1_i2_rainertoday.aspx a national Charity that supports vulnerable and under supported young adults.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with?Hello to everyone that I worked with over the years.
I loved working New Year's Eve (how many other jobs do you get paid to have a great night?) I loved dressing up as Father Christamas (he was busy that year sorry kids). I remember every time I tried to leave for another job, Salvo shook his head and said you'll be back, and I was. I miss the people that I worked with and the regulars who became friends, and would love to catch up. All the best to you all. Maria

Name: MICKY DOHERTY

Worked at Salvo's: 1989 - 1990

What was your job? Bartender/Cashier

Where are you living now? Bangkok, Thailand

What are you doing? Have my own restaurant company with 11 restaurants in Hong Kong (lived there 14 years) and 3 in Thailand www.eclipse.com.hk

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The inspiration for what I do now came from the amazing buzz I got out of helping people have a great time at Salvo's.  My favourite memories?  Pinu and his pizzas - "what, you don't lika my pizza!!!"; going to jazz clubs with Gip and the guys; opening cases of red wine and drinking some of it too;  queues out the door even when it was snowing, John's red Porsche; penne funghi; making Americanos which is now my favourite drink; Sunday night jazz dinners with Gip's special menus.  I open new restaurants every year and every time I try to replicate the formula that made Salvo's so successful - great food, super ambience and amazing people.

Name: OLWEN BAILEY

Worked at Salvo's: 1989

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Leeds

What are you doing? Working in a solicitors

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I have a lot of fond memories of Salvo's, I practically grew up with you all. Salvo, Pinu, Gip, Jon, Cherie, Marylou, Hectore. Too many to mention. It was a great place to work and I met a lot of fun people.

Name: KEVIN SIMPSON

Worked at Salvo's: 1981 - 1988

What was your job? Sous chef fun guy

Where are you living now? London Town - Eastham

What are you doing? At he moment project leader for a charity organisation (teaching) NVQ...yes I have seen John doing his bit for City & Guilds....ima product...... but great foundation.
What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Fun, laughs, night at the club jazz amsterdam, Salvo, Pinu and a hundread sexy waitresses.......... peace out for 08 nuff love vito.....lol...rev....chev......wityab ....kev..x
ps say hi to all the crew that remember...lol x

Name: PAMELA DUNN

Worked at Salvo's: 1978/9 - 1980

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Still in Leeds

What are you doing? I am now a practice manager for a dental surgery in Yeadon. Still working hard for a living!!! Still enjoy good food and an odd glass of the red - Salvo's taught me well!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I remember free supper time and singing along to the boxer with Jonny playing the strings. And of course clubbing in Chapeltown after work in our smelly jeans. I worked with Gip, Jonny, Aldo, Pinouch, Mario, Gail, Janet, Theresa, Christine, Pam and of course one of the many Mathews girls not forgetting Mick, Tony and Steve.

Name: JIM CARR

Worked at Salvo's: 1978 - 1979

What was your job? Apprentice washer-up

Where are you living now? Jersey,C.I.

What are you doing? Dispensing medication (legally!)

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Being the proud recipient of a limited edition lime-green Salvos T-shirt! An impressionable teenager at the time some of the extraordinary characters in the kitchen I remember well. Hector my mentor really belonged in a 1970s Starsky and Hutch episode and Angelo consuming more of the vino than went into his dishes.And of course the two main men - how little Johnny seems to have changed over the years, he always looked like a 45 year old accontant even at 20! Gip (like myself) is at least showng some of the ravages of time spent hanging around in dodgy nightclubs and holidaying in Bangkok. Happy 30th Salvos!

Name: JEFF GLAZER

Worked at Salvo's: 1977 - 1978

What was your job? Mainly prep. (in that freezing garage)

Where are you living now? Still living in Leeds

What are you doing? I have left catering and now work for the Halifax in IT. I have been married for 26 years now and we have two daughters 21 and 23. The only down side to that is it is like being married to three women. But to tell the truth I love it.
What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I first met Salvo and the family when Salvo opened Salvo's on the Park. I had been working at the resturant prior to the take over.
I continued to work there until I was asked to work at the restaurant in Headingley. I have worked with a lot of people in the resturant trade over the years, BUT there is no one I hold in as much esteem as Salvo.

Name: LES BROADBENT

Worked at Salvo's: 1977

What was your job? You tell me

Where are you living now? Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

What are you doing? I have had a restaurant for 20 years in a small town 30 minutes, northeast of Toronto.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? The late nite after work wine and bad singing session we used to have. Living with you guys for years, your mum bringing in the early morning cups of tea, and opening all the windows cos the room stunk so bad, Salvo scaring the s+*& out of me for over cooking the pasta. Keeping up with your uncle who was Mr Pizza and getting the food out on time for him. Bad punk bands!!! Trips to london for weekends!!! The Greek Experience there !!! New York, New Orleans,wot else Gip ??? Would I do it again with you guys - in a second. TIME CATCHES US DON'T IT. ALL THE BEST LES. p.s wot a great web site!

Name: CALI RUDDOCK

Worked at Salvo's: 1977 at Salvo's on the Parc and then over to Salvo's at Headingley till around about mid eighties with a few breaks here and there

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? In Leeds

What are you doing? After lots of adventures settled down and have two kiddies. Work parttime for Surestart (a childrens centre) and am at uni p/t too.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? I remember when Salvo called me to the fridges at the back (we hated going back there cos it was spooky and cold). The lights were off and Jon and Gip jumped me, threw a bag over my head and tied me up with string (not to tight). I have never screamed so much as it was the days of the Ripper! I loved working there, they fed us well and always made sure we got a taxi home... and they paid for it too!! For years they thought I was older than I was, I actually worked the bar sometimes and I was only fourteen years old at the time! Love the photos and those t shirts we wore...fantastic!!

Name: ANNE-MARIE THORSLUND

Worked at Salvo's: 1976 - 1977

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Back in the UK after 25 years in Canada

What are you doing? I'm a business manager for a publishing company based in Bradford. My job takes me back to Canada and the US one week of every month - so best of both worlds! Haven't been into your restaurant since my return - so can't wait to do that!

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Having a wonderful time and making great friends with Gip, Les, and John and my mate, Maureen. Not forgetting Aldo and Pinouche of course! The wonderful late meals and red wine when everyone had gone. The time Les and Gip made me eat an Oyster!!!!!!  Great memories!

Name: MIRANDA (MANDAY) FLINT (WAS MILLER)

Worked at Salvo's: 1976

What was your job? Waitress

Where are you living now? Down under

What are you doing? I am an editor and journalist for a multinational business information provider called Thomson.

What overriding memory do you have of your time at Salvo's and who do you remember working with? Family - the warmth, dedication and hard yakka of the Dammones and their enduring affection for each other, despite the inevitable disagreements. Kitchen - the craziness and mayhem when the mercury in the kitchen kept rising during rush hour. Pizza dough - Uncle Pino kneading the bread dough for the pizzas, puffs of white flour surrounding him like clouds and then thin discs hovering like UFOs in the air as he threw them into perfect shape. My mum still raves about those pizzas. Laughs - we worked hard and had a  blast at the same time. Salvo - I was a bit scared of Salvo. I always gave him my sweetest smile hoping he wouldn't shout at me, which he never did! Penne arabbiata - it was Gip's signature pasta dish for a while and it was awesome with a hit of fire from the chillis and the sweet tang of the tomato sauce. Lingo - I loved hearing the family and their friends speak Italian with varying degrees of animatiion, but no one would teach me the swear words!