Hundreds of customers, friends, former staff and special guests came together yesterday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of Sheffield's best-loved independent restaurants.
The Lord & Lady Mayoress of Sheffield celebrate with
owner Maurzio Mori (left) and manager Stefano Buralli (right)
Nonnas on Ecclesall Road marked the milestone with an afternoon and evening of live music, entertainment, dancing and memories, bringing together people who have been part of the restaurant's remarkable story since it first opened its doors in 1996.
Many of those attending had been customers since the restaurant's earliest days, sharing memories spanning three decades of family celebrations, friendships, business meetings and unforgettable nights on Ecclesall Road.
The celebrations were attended by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Andrew Sangar, and the Lady Mayoress, alongside former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Johnny Nelson, who joined scores of other guests in recognising the contribution Nonnas has made to Sheffield's social and cultural life.
The restaurant was originally launched by Maurizio Mori and Gian Bohen, who built the business together during its first 18 years before Maurizio took sole ownership and continued to develop one of the city's most enduring hospitality success stories.
Over the past three decades, Nonnas has welcomed generations of customers, collected countless industry awards and attracted visitors from across the world, including Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone. During Sheffield Wednesday's exciting late-1990s era, Italian football stars Benito Carbone and Paolo Di Canio also became regular visitors.
But for Maurizio, Sunday's celebration was never simply about looking back.
He said: "Yesterday was one of the proudest days of my life. Looking around the restaurant and seeing so many familiar faces from every stage of our journey was incredibly emotional.
"When we first opened in 1996, we hoped we could create somewhere that people would enjoy coming to. We never imagined it would become such a big part of so many people's lives.
"I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every customer who has walked through our doors over the past 30 years. Your loyalty, friendship and support have made Nonnas what it is today.
"I also want to thank every member of staff, past and present – especially manager and close friend Stefano Buralli who has been with me 23 years. Many have dedicated years of their lives to Nonnas and have helped create the atmosphere and warmth that people remember. They have been an enormous part of our success, and I couldn't have achieved this without them.”
The anniversary celebrations formed the culmination of a month-long campaign that invited customers to share their memories and photographs. The response generated tens of thousands of online views and prompted scores of people to come forward with stories demonstrating just how deeply Nonnas has become woven into the fabric of Sheffield.
Nonnas is situated at 535–541 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8PR. Bookings can be made on 0114 268 6166. www.nonnas.co.uk
