The Italian Club, a beloved fixture in Liverpool’s dining scene, is a proudly run family business headed by owner Rosaria Crolla. First opening its doors in 2007, the restaurant quickly earned a reputation for its authentic charm and distinctive character. We caught up with Rosaria to find out more about the business.
What was your inspiration for the business?
The inspiration came from my earlier experience running a restaurant on Duke Street. At the time, Bold Street was full of character but lacked a truly approachable, quality dining spot. I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy restaurant quality food in a relaxed, casual environment, and importantly, where women could feel comfortable dining alone. That vision drove me to pursue a vacant unit with a traditional façade. After convincing the landlord to take a chance on my idea, I launched what became The Italian Club, a café-style venue offering authentic, high-quality Italian food in an inviting setting.
The response was immediate and positive. We originally opened only during the day, but demand quickly grew, leading us to extend our hours into the evening. This not only boosted our own growth but also contributed to Bold Street’s evolution into a vibrant evening destination.
In 2013, we took the next step by bringing all baking in-house. My husband, a trained baker, joined forces with me to establish The Italian Club Bakery. From breads and pastries to cakes and desserts, everything was freshly made with an artisan touch. The bakery became much-loved, but like many businesses, we faced challenges during the pandemic and had to pause operations for a time. However, we relaunched in a larger space on Duke Street,
and today both the restaurant and bakery remain strong, thriving parts of our family-run business.
What is the best part about running a business?
I’ve always been a creative person at heart. My background is actually in music, I studied and trained as a classical singer but I was also searching for a career that gave me both stability and a creative outlet. Running The Italian Club has allowed me to achieve that balance.
I can express my creativity in multiple ways, from designing interiors and shaping the brand identity to sourcing authentic Italian décor and ingredients. Every decision, from the menu to the ambiance, gives me an opportunity to bring a piece of Italy to Liverpool in a way that feels genuine and personal. It’s hands-on, sometimes intense, but ultimately incredibly rewarding.
What is your day-to-day role in the business?
Before COVID, we operated five different businesses, including some in Scotland. After the pandemic, we made the decision to streamline and sold our Scottish locations, focusing instead on our Liverpool operations, including opening a bakery! In 2023, we did decide to also re-start in Scotland with a restaurant in Edinburgh.
Day-to-day, I’m heavily involved in both strategic planning and the back-end systems that keep everything running smoothly. Much of the management team is family-based, which brings a strong sense of trust and shared values, but I remain very active in overseeing operations. Whether it’s finances, staffing, or new ideas, I like to stay close to the heart of the business so I can ensure everything aligns with our vision.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt running a business?
The single most important lesson I’ve learned is that cash is king. Managing cashflow is one of the toughest challenges any business owner faces, and many businesses fail because they can’t get this balance right. Communication is another key lesson, whether with customers, staff, or suppliers, good communication builds trust and long-term success.
During the pandemic, these lessons became especially important. We were able to survive thanks to the strong, trust-based relationships we had built with our suppliers over the years. That mutual support made all the difference in navigating such
a difficult period.
What services do you get from JDA and how do these benefit you?
Jon Davies Accountants (JDA) support us with payroll, VAT, bookkeeping, and accounts, and the impact has been transformational. Louise, our client manager, is fantastic, she’s responsive, proactive, and always clear in her advice.
For the first time, I feel confident and at ease when it comes to our finances. Having JDA as a partner gives me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on running and growing the business while knowing that everything behind the scenes is in safe hands. Their support has been invaluable.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of the business, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and spending time with family. Cooking at home gives me the chance to relax while experimenting with both traditional Italian dishes and new recipes. Travel is another passion, and while I love exploring new places, Italy and Scotland remain especially meaningful. Italy reconnects me with my roots, the markets, cafés, and food culture always inspire me, while Scotland offers a slower pace and the chance to spend time with extended family. Both bring balance and perspective that feed back into my work.
More than anything, family time is what I value most. Running a business can be demanding but being with loved ones reminds me of what really matters. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, sharing meals, or simply catching up, those moments keep me grounded. Family gives me the support and energy I need to keep growing the business while staying true to what’s important in life.