The company behind an Italian restaurant has said it hopes to open in Reading’s town centre later this year.
Coco di Mama is planning to open a branch in Broad Street, in the unit formerly used by Ecco shoes.
The company applied for permission to convert the space, next to the now empty Chipstar unit, so it can serve pasta, sandwiches, lasagnes soups, and sweet treats.
The application went into Reading Borough Council in June, but was withdrawn. However, the company says it still intends to start trading this year.
A spokesperson for Coco di Mama said: “We’re very much still opening, and we’re really excited to come to Reading.
“We will probably be opening at the end of November, we think that will be the date we’ll be going in.”
The spokesperson added it could open earlier depending on the legal situation.
They explained: “The site on offer was the ground floor and the first floor. We didn’t need the first floor.
“Reading Smiles are going to move into the unit next door and make that unit bigger.”
The legal issue surrounds the separation of the address into two units, A and B, so that Coco di Mama and Reading Smiles dental clinic can use the parts of the building each company wants.
The spokesperson added: “This will be quite a quick fix, and is sitting with lawyers for us and the landlord.”
The first plan for Coco di Mama has been withdrawn so that an accurate one can be submitted in the future that recognises that the building will be split between the chain and Reading Smiles.
The revised proposal will be submitted soon.
This will be the company’s first branch outside of London
The spokesperson said: “It’s exciting to move out of London, we have looked at opening in Manchester and Birmingham, and I’m sure we will later on down the line, but we think people in Reading will be more familiar with the brand having seen it in the capital on visits and as commuters.
“It’s an interesting town we think will be full of good Coco di Mama customers.”
The Azzurri Group also operates Zizzi and Ask Italian restaurant brands.
People in Reading can currently enjoy Coco di Mama food for delivery only, as menu items are prepared and cooked from the Zizzi in The Oracle for delivery via the JustEat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo apps.
