FRANCO Fantini, the man who brought the taste of Italy to Southampton, died at the age of 71 yesterday.

For more than three decades Franco’s restaurant, La Margherita, has become a local institution, counting showbusiness stars among its customers.

There are many who believe it was Franco who did so much to establish and promote Southampton’s restaurants back in the early 1970s.

Originally from Milan, Franco never forgot it was Southampton that gave him his chance to become one of the city’s most respected restaurateurs.

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Recently, when La Margherita celebrated its 35th anniversary, he said: “To Southampton I would like to say ‘grazie mille’ – thank you very much – for the past 35 years. It is wonderful to think we are now able to welcome the sons, daughters, and perhaps, grandchildren of those people who were our first customers all those years ago.’’ Franco was known for his welcome to both new and regular customers, including many who went on to become personal friends.

It was in 1973 that Franco, who had previously worked on a number of cruise ships, came ashore to set up his business – opening of the Cabin Crew café in Commercial Road.

It might have had only a handful of tables but Franco’s reputation soon resulted in long queues forming outside.

As the restaurant became more popular the name changed to La Margherita and Franco, who retired nine years ago, expanded into the premises next door.

The restaurant moved to its present site at Town Quay when the area at the top of Commercial Road was earmarked for redevelopment.

Paying tribute, Nikos Raftopoulos, Franco’s business partner, said: “He was the most wonderful, kind man and it will not be easy to carry on without him.”