Business as Usual at Veeno Durham

The owners of Veeno Durham have announced that the restaurant is trading as normal and continues to welcome guests, following recent developments involving the wider Veeno Bars brand.

Veeno Durham operates as an independently owned franchise, managed by Casa Vinicola Ltd, which is owned by local entrepreneurs Dan and Donna Lewis. The couple acquired the franchise from business partners Nino Caruso and Rodrigue Trouillet, who operate four Veeno venues across the UK.

Recent changes affecting the wider Veeno business relate to a strategic restructuring following the closure of a small number of sites. As part of this process, the brand was acquired out of administration by its original founder, Nino Caruso, ensuring its continued stability and long-term viability.

Since opening in September 2025, Veeno Durham has made a significant contribution to the city’s hospitality sector, creating 20 new jobs and quickly establishing itself as a popular destination for authentic Italian food and wine.

While Veeno Durham is independently owned, it operates under the unique Veeno Bars brand, adhering to its established guidelines and standards to ensure a consistent customer experience across all locations.

Dan and Donna Lewis, owners of Casa Vinicola Ltd, said: “We want to reassure our customers and the local community that Veeno Durham is trading as normal and remains a strong and stable business. Since opening in September, we’ve been overwhelmed by the fantastic support from the people of Durham and are proud to be part of the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.

“Although we are an independently owned franchise, we are proud to operate under the Veeno brand, which continues to go from strength to strength. Nothing has changed for our guests, and we look forward to building on our successful start to the year.”

Nino Caruso commented: “Veeno has always been about sharing authentic Italian hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests. The recent restructuring has allowed us to strengthen the business and secure a sustainable future for the brand. We are delighted to see venues such as Veeno Durham thriving and continuing to deliver the Veeno experience to their local communities.”

Veeno Durham is also preparing to launch its Spring Menu, further enhancing its offering of Italian wines and Sicilian-inspired dishes, and reinforcing its commitment to quality, hospitality, and the local community.