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 JOINED US IN THE NOUGHTIES
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.