Kind-hearted pizza restaurant owner offers jobs to devastated Criniti’s workers who were suddenly sacked when the chain went into administration
- Glen Mezei is opening a second Site Pizza Bar store in Maroubra, on Wednesday
- The 49-year-old restaurateur offering jobs to Criniti employees who were sacked
- He said it’s ‘devastating’ that once popular pizza chain Criniti’s was closing down
- Mr Mezei is looking for several experienced pizza chefs, drivers and wait staff
Pizza expert: Glen Mezei
A compassionate pizza restaurant owner is offering jobs at his stores after Criniti’s employees were suddenly sacked.
Glen Mezei is opening a second Site Pizza Bar store in Maroubra, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on Wednesday.
The 49-year-old restaurateur already has one store in Little Bay.
He said it was ‘devastating’ that the once popular pizza chain Criniti’s had gone into administration, leaving dozens of staff with no jobs just before Christmas.
‘It’s devastating that the business closed down,’ Mr Mezei told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I don’t know why it happens… when you go too big, you never know.’
Mr Mezei said he wanted to help former Criniti’s employees find a job – by offering them positions at his chain.
‘We’re looking for chefs, wait staff, and drivers,’ he said.
‘I just thought it would be an opportunity to let people know there are jobs available.
‘They’re not big restaurants, but we’re healthy.’
Glen Mezei is opening a second Site Pizza Bar store in Maroubra (pictured), in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on Wednesday
Mr Mezei heard of the shocking news and knew he could help some Criniti employees find a job (Pictured: Site Bay Pizza employees)
Diners have said Criniti’s tried to expand too fast and lost business by charging excessive prices for ‘average’ pizza and pasta.
While the closures came as a shock to industry rivals, people who have dined there said it ‘didn’t surprise them at all’.
The Directors of Criniti Restaurant Group, which comprises 40 companies involved in operating the restaurants, appointed Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants.
Administrator Graeme Beattie said the sluggish economy and low consumer spending has crippled the chain.
‘Criniti’s is a well-known, well-liked chain, but like all hospitality businesses, carries high overheads and is susceptible to any weakening in retail spending,’ he said.
Italian restaurant chain Criniti’s has gone into administration. Pictured: Bachelor star Noni Janur at the restaurant
Mr Mezei is encouraging Criniti employees to get in touch with him to work at Site Pizza Bay (pictured)
Referring to the staff who will lose their jobs, he said: ‘There is never a good way to deliver this kind of news and we understand the shock, disappointment and trepidation felt by Criniti’s loyal staff.’
The chain, founded in 2003, was managed by Frank Criniti and his wife Rima until they divorced in 2009 and he was left in charge.
Criniti’s restaurants in Manly, Wollongong and Kirrawee in New South Wales and Cannington in WA and Chermside in Queensland have been closed.
Restaurants in Parramatta, Wetherill Park, Castle Hill, Darling Harbour, Woolloomooloo, and Kotara in NSW and Southbank and Carlton in Victoria are open.
Mr Mezei encouraged employees to contact him on the Site Pizza Bar Facebook Page or email him at hello@siteworldpizza.com.au.
Mr Mezei encouraged employees to contact him on the Site Pizza Bar Facebook Page