Bouchon De Rossi, one of the most popular food destinations in Swansea city centre, is looking for a buyer as its owners plan to retire after 21 years. Bernard and Lisa Rossi have placed their business on the market, deciding to slow down and enjoy more time with their family.
Owners' Decision to Retire
Bernard and Lisa Rossi have built a strong rapport with their customers, with Lisa at the front of house and Bernard as chef. They plan to remain until a suitable person is found to take over, hoping it will continue as a restaurant under new ownership.
Mr Rossi said: "We are very established and we have a good customer base here. It's difficult but we've got to a stage where we want to take a step back. We've always been here, hands on, and we are getting to the stage where we want to retire. I've been cooking since before I left school so it's been a long time and we're at that stage in our lives where it's time."
Culinary Legacy
Mr and Mrs Rossi have spent most of their lives in the culinary world, following in the footsteps of Bernard's French dad Claude and Italian mum Emma, who once ran Norton House in Mumbles and a small hotel and restaurant. The couple then ran their own restaurant, Mustard, in Fuerteventura, before returning home to open Bouchon De Rossi.
"My father was my big influence," Mr Rossi said. "I learnt the trade from him from an early age. Before Norton House they had the Old Mill in Blackpill where I first started helping him out. The family has been serving food in Swansea for a long time now."
Mr Rossi, now 62, added: "I am 62 this year, and you don't know how many good years you have ahead of you, so maybe it is just time now to enjoy. Both of our boys are finishing college, one has finished university, so for me and Lisa it is going to be a chance for us to enjoy life a bit more really. It can be very difficult, and is a hard trade with lots of ups and downs with long hours, but it has been a great business and a great life. We've been very happy and had lots of good times and good memories."
Customer Reaction
Mr Rossi explained customers' reaction to the news and the "no end of phone calls" they have received. He said: "Locally, when Swansea Life were doing their awards, we were riding a nice wave of popularity and we still have people who love coming to us. Since we decided to list the business as for sale we have had no end of phone calls from customers asking: 'Is it true you're leaving? Is it true you're leaving?' They are all very pleased that we aren't going anywhere just yet. We are looking to retire but you've got to find someone who is willing to step up and take it on. I don't know how quickly, or how long that will take, but in the meantime we will carry on and we'll be here offering our service to whoever wants it really."
Prime Location
Mr Rossi highlighted the restaurant's close proximity to Swansea Grand Theatre and Swansea Arena, which has boosted trade. He described it as a "turn-key business" for any potential buyer. He said: "If somebody wanted to run a restaurant it's a turn-key business really – all you have to do is come in. Swansea Arena has doubled up with the Grand Theatre and has been really, really good for us. It's a great location so hopefully it will appeal to someone and that it will continue as a restaurant but we'll have to wait and see."
Bouchon De Rossi is being marketed by Dawsons Property. Those interested in taking over the business can find more information on its website.
