A New Chapter for Pinocchio’s After 21 Wonderful Years

One of Burton’s most loved restaurants is entering a new chapter.

After 21 years at the heart of the town, Pinocchio's has been sold by its long-standing owners, Marianna and Paul, who are moving to Sheffield to be closer to family.

For more than two decades, Pinocchio’s has been far more than just a place to eat. It has been a backdrop for first dates, birthdays, anniversaries and family get-togethers - the sort of restaurant where the staff know your usual order and the welcome feels as warm as the food.

A family dream built in Burton

Marianna and Paul opened the restaurant 21 years ago, building it on family recipes, long hours and what they describe as “a lot of heart”.

Over the years, their daughters Concetta and Lorena quite literally grew up within its walls - from homework at the tables to helping clear plates (and occasionally eyeing up customers’ celebration cakes). The restaurant shaped not only their working lives, but their family life too.

In a heartfelt message to customers, they described Pinocchio’s as a “home away from home” and thanked the loyal guests, staff and suppliers who helped a small family dream thrive for more than two decades.

Their decision to sell has not been an easy one, but the move to Sheffield will allow them to be closer to relatives as they begin their next chapter.

Burton won’t be forgetting them in a hurry - and we’re sure there will be plenty of limoncellos raised in their honour before they go.

We wish Marianna, Paul, Concetta and Lorena every happiness as they start their new life in Sheffield.

Keeping the Heart - and the Pasta - Alive

The good news for Burton diners is that Pinocchio’s isn’t going anywhere.

The restaurant is being taken over by local pair Chloe and her brother-in-law Ben - familiar faces to many in town, and long-time customers themselves.

Chloe says eating at Pinocchio’s has been part of her life since childhood, describing it as a nostalgic fixture on Burton’s High Street in an ever-changing world. Now, in a full-circle moment, she and Ben are preparing to take the reins.

Importantly for fans of the menu:

• The chefs are staying

• The home-cooked food is staying

• The family feel is staying

• The authentic Italian recipes and wines are staying

In short, the heart and soul of Pinocchio’s will remain firmly intact.

Chloe has already been working behind the scenes, learning the ropes from Marianna ahead of a planned soft launch on 1 April. Until then, it’s very much business as usual, with the current owners continuing to serve up the dishes that have made the restaurant such a staple of Burton life.

A Restaurant Burton Truly Values

Independent restaurants are the lifeblood of any town centre, and Pinocchio’s has been one of Burton’s most enduring success stories - known for generous portions, warm hospitality and consistently good value.

Change is always a big moment, especially for somewhere so woven into the fabric of local life. But this feels less like an ending and more like a careful passing of the baton - from one family to another who already understand what makes the place special.

From everyone in Burton, we wish Marianna and her family all the very best in Sheffield - and we wish Chloe and Ben every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.

Here’s to the next 21 years on Burton’s High Street. 🍷