Business Ideas

[Edina Street]

If you could do it, what would you do?

If I had land I would turn it into Edinburgh's first and only Pet Cemetery.

Given that people already pay hundreds of pounds to have their pets cremated, and pets die en mass every single day, why is it that there are only two pet cemeteries in Scotland? One in Cullen and one in Balmedie. Both in the Grampians.

Surely for someone with land, a Pet Cemetery in or around Edinburgh would make an absolute killing, and a good alternative to selling their siblings inheritance away to the next housing developer?

Why on Earth do we not have a Pet Cemetery? I think someone needs to open Edinburgh's first Pet Cemetery and call it Rainbow Bridge.

So, what would you do if you could?

[patch1875]

Wasn’t there one down seafield?

[Jack]

I wish I could develop apps.

Over the years I've had a few "good" ideas 😆

[Edina Street]

Wasn’t there one down seafield?

Not in my life time. Must have been before the area flooded.

[Scouse Hibee]

Don’t open a chippy!

[Edina Street]

I wish I could develop apps.

Over the years I've had a few "good" ideas 😆

I don't know why nobody as yet has not developed a website with board game apps where people can play each other for money. (Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Scrabble et ecetera).

[Pretty Boy]

I've always wanted to run a walking tour business.

Do it properly. Well researched, minimal gimmicks, a real delve into the social history of Edinburgh. Leave the Harry Potter, Greyfriars Bobby and ghosts to others (no disrespect to them, many do it very well).

It's something I plan to look into a bit further when my kids are a bit older. Do it as a second job at first and see how it goes from there. Tbh the actual research and 'performance' element doesn't worry me at all. It's the web side, online bookings etc that I'd struggle with.

[Bridge hibs]

Nothing that will ever make me millions but Im very handy and creative so more of a niche thing. Im buying a “man” shed when I retire and Im going to make bird boxes, bird tables and small childrens toys, the toys I will likely donate for free but the other stuff probably online sales or sell at market stalls

[Smartie]

Don’t open a chippy!

We could have a separate thread where we warn folk off doing what we do because the reality is very different to how it looks from the outside.

Funny you mention having a chippy - that’s one of the lines of work that has featured in the papers quite regularly lately in relation to the struggle to make ends meet - and it sounds really, really tough. I own my own business and the past few years of rising costs and staff recruitment and retention issues make me look around at the business landscape and wonder how anyone actually manages to make a living and stay sane.

[Edina Street]

We could have a separate thread where we warn folk off doing what we do because the reality is very different to how it looks from the outside.

Funny you mention having a chippy - that’s one of the lines of work that has featured in the papers quite regularly lately in relation to the struggle to make ends meet - and it sounds really, really tough. I own my own business and the past few years of rising costs and staff recruitment and retention issues make me look around at the business landscape and wonder how anyone actually manages to make a living and stay sane.

There are success stories however. Just as everyone else in the Private Hire Business were selling up and calling a day on Taxis, a certain owner of a certain PHC firm came along with just a couple of cars at what people said was the worsed time possible to start a taxi business and today the company are well advertised at Easter Road Stadium, and have had adverts on the television.

The owner is a genius in my opinion, and one of the big strokes of genius imo was something as simple as the unique telephone number.

Also the name of the Taxi company was important.

But the owner does not seem afraid to spend what many would say is an insane amount of money in order to accumulate.

The same could be said about the Chip shop industry. There are at least two chip shop owners currently in Edinburgh right now that made their million from the industry.

How did they succeed where others did not? That is the philosophies that entrepreneurs need to hack in to.

[CropleyWasGod]

There are success stories however. Just as everyone else in the Private Hire Business were selling up and calling a day on Taxis, a certain owner of a certain PHC firm came along with just a couple of cars at what people said was the worsed time possible to start a taxi business and today the company are well advertised at Easter Road Stadium, and have had adverts on the television.

The owner is a genius in my opinion, and one of the big strokes of genius imo was something as simple as the unique telephone number.

Also the name of the Taxi company was important.

But the owner does not seem afraid to spend what many would say is an insane amount of money in order to accumulate.

.

Are they doing well, though? I can't see any accounts online.

[Edina Street]

Are they doing well, though? I can't see any accounts online.

I finished with that game in 2016. They were doing well until they lost me.






Or maybe it was Covid that gave them a hit.

[CropleyWasGod]

I finished with that game in 2016. They were doing well until they lost me.






Or maybe it was Covid that gave them a hit.

Are you talking about Beep Beep? They haven't been trading a year yet.

[patch1875]

Capital cars? Not sure they are that great of you speak to the drivers.

[Edina Street]

Capital cars? Not sure they are that great of you speak to the drivers.

They feed their own cars? I can understand how a Taxi controller on a 50/50 that is sitting there watching their own cars on GPS might be tempted to feed them. However there are other reasons why a Taxi driver may find a job going to number two on the zone. Such as a female phoning up asking specifically for the company to not send number one on the zone because the driver is creepy.

[Since90+2]

There are success stories however. Just as everyone else in the Private Hire Business were selling up and calling a day on Taxis, a certain owner of a certain PHC firm came along with just a couple of cars at what people said was the worsed time possible to start a taxi business and today the company are well advertised at Easter Road Stadium, and have had adverts on the television.

The owner is a genius in my opinion, and one of the big strokes of genius imo was something as simple as the unique telephone number.

Also the name of the Taxi company was important.

But the owner does not seem afraid to spend what many would say is an insane amount of money in order to accumulate.

The same could be said about the Chip shop industry. There are at least two chip shop owners currently in Edinburgh right now that made their million from the industry.

How did they succeed where others did not? That is the philosophies that entrepreneurs need to hack in to.

I'd genuinely be interested to know what chippy owners are making millions. Only one that sprung to mind was Tony Crolla but I'd not class Berties as a chip shop.

[Billy Whizz]

Don’t open a chippy!

Or in my case, don’t open a Juice Bar

[CropleyWasGod]

Capital cars? Not sure they are that great of you speak to the drivers.

Their accounts suggest they're not in a good way.

[Edina Street]

I'd genuinely be interested to know what chippy owners are making millions. Only one that sprung to mind was Tony Crolla but I'd not class Berties as a chip shop.

The term millionaire is a throw away term. But Giovannis and Javits can't be doing to bad. Growing and branching out.

And the Crolla's have more investment in Liverpool than they do Edinburgh. So whilst owning Berties may not seem all that impressive, Berties is only a spoke on a wheel which spans at least two different cities.

I only know this because I once had a person in a taxi I was driving that was sent from Crolla's in Liverpool to work for the Crolla's in Edinburgh, and the person did nothing but complain about how rubbish Edinburgh is compared to Liverpool.

Apart from that I have absolutely no information about their operations.

[Bridge hibs]

The term millionaire is a throw away term. But Giovannis and Javits can't be doing to bad. Growing and branching out.

And the Crolla's have more investment in Liverpool than they do Edinburgh. So whilst owning Berties may not seem all that impressive, Berties is only a spoke on a wheel which spans at least two different cities.

I only know this because I once had a person in a taxi I was driving that was sent from Crolla's in Liverpool to work for the Crolla's in Edinburgh, and the person did nothing but complain about how rubbish Edinburgh is compared to Liverpool.

Apart from that I have absolutely no information about their operations.Giovannis only have the chippy in Northfield, what other places do they have ?

[Edina Street]

Giovannis only have the chippy in Northfield, what other places do they have ?

Well it is not a secret that they bought the Barracuda and changed the name to Northfield Fry. So they actually own two chippies in Northfield. One on Northfield Broadway near Scotties, and another that might just be classed as a Franchise, at the other end of Northfield Broadway near the ex Right Wing.

How many other Franchises they have I don't know, but two alone in Northfield.

[matty_f]

I would love to do my podcast full time. I tried to start a business doing leadership training after being made redundant last year, but some illness in the family meant I had to sack that idea and go back into full time employment.

If it wasn’t the podcast i had a coffin rental business idea with Colin, or a proper nice burger van.

[Edina Street]

I would love to do my podcast full time. I tried to start a business doing leadership training after being made redundant last year, but some illness in the family meant I had to sack that idea and go back into full time employment.

If it wasn’t the podcast i had a coffin rental business idea with Colin, or a proper nice burger van.

We need to find someone with land to build Rainbow Bridge. You modify your idea for human coffins, and instead make small pet coffins. Then all we need to do is find a pet transporter that will extend their services to include pets that are not currently living.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Played golf abroad recently and can only think they make serious money renting out clubs.

Rented out clubs from a company not affiliated to a course, couple of folk got the top of the range for £125 for 2 days. Presumably the whole set would have cost about £2k or so, so you’d make it back fairly quickly.

I rented cheaper ones which were £65 for a set that costs £950. So about 15 days rental and they’re paid for. Obviously more to it than that but it seemed an opportunity to make a good amount of money if you’re place somewhere popular for golf.

[Bridge hibs]

Well it is not a secret that they bought the Barracuda and changed the name to Northfield Fry. So they actually own two chippies in Northfield. One on Northfield Broadway near Scotties, and another that might just be classed as a Franchise, at the other end of Northfield Broadway near the ex Right Wing.

How many other Franchises they have I don't know, but two alone in Northfield.Yeah they bought the Barracuda as it was pumping their business along the road, they have now closed that one down so back to one chippy and all the business back to their joint

Most likely the former Barracuda building will be raised to the ground as part of the building development of the former Right Wing site

[Edina Street]

A Brass Neck
A Sand Bag
A Sand Castle Bucket
Mortar
Sand coloured texture spray
A table to sell the sand castles on Portobello Promenade in the Summer.

[Edina Street]

Yeah they bought the Barracuda as it was pumping their business along the road, they have now closed that one down so back to one chippy and all the business back to their joint

Most likely the former Barracuda building will be raised to the ground as part of the building development of the former Right Wing site

Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained!

And if Giovannis really have closed the NFF so soon after buying it, then they have made a terrible mistake given how much the Edinburgh council will be willing to give them in compensation to build their Student Appartments.

JB Stores got saved by the council. Apart from Shirley's Deli, they were unable to compete with Tesco Express. But JB stores branching away from the Londis franchise did turn into an accidental sound investment.

[Edina Street]

I've always wanted to run a walking tour business.

Do it properly. Well researched, minimal gimmicks, a real delve into the social history of Edinburgh. Leave the Harry Potter, Greyfriars Bobby and ghosts to others (no disrespect to them, many do it very well).

It's something I plan to look into a bit further when my kids are a bit older. Do it as a second job at first and see how it goes from there. Tbh the actual research and 'performance' element doesn't worry me at all. It's the web side, online bookings etc that I'd struggle with.

Being a tour guide is definitely an ideal occupation for a history buff. You could try contacting cruise ship companies about offering shore tours. You could possibly make enough money from only having to work when a cruise ship arrives on the Firth of Forth that you could just leave the administration side of things to them.

Building a website is actually surprisingly easy however. Had I realised just how easy it was, I would have ventured into business a lot sooner than I did.

Having said that, web designers are certainly not put out of business by me.

[Smartie]

Played golf abroad recently and can only think they make serious money renting out clubs.

Rented out clubs from a company not affiliated to a course, couple of folk got the top of the range for £125 for 2 days. Presumably the whole set would have cost about £2k or so, so you’d make it back fairly quickly.

I rented cheaper ones which were £65 for a set that costs £950. So about 15 days rental and they’re paid for. Obviously more to it than that but it seemed an opportunity to make a good amount of money if you’re place somewhere popular for golf.

Now you mention it - I was speaking to a mate from school at a wedding recently. He now lives in Scottsdale Arizona and coaches “soccer” for a living. I’d noticed that a few years back he’d put a few bits and pieces up about helping folk who wanted to go on holiday and go to the Phoenix Open. He said it was a mini side hustle he’d been half interested in but not really taken anywhere.

I thought there was definite mileage in that business. The Phoenix open is a fairly unique golf event that is a bit wild and young folk love - which culminates the same day as the Super Bowl.

I could definitely get on board with putting together itineraries around a booze soaked trip to sample some American Sport at it’s best - and I was surprised he’d just let it slide.

[Moulin Yarns]

Nothing that will ever make me millions but Im very handy and creative so more of a niche thing. Im buying a “man” shed when I retire and Im going to make bird boxes, bird tables and small childrens toys, the toys I will likely donate for free but the other stuff probably online sales or sell at market stalls

I started my yarn dyeing business before I retired and do very little online business but word of mouth and Google drives customers to my studio. I open Easter to September 4 days a week as well as local markets and craft fairs.

Today I was asked to open for a group of Americans from Michigan, 24 customers on a trip to Scotland and I'm a happy bunny, now have to replace what they bought!! 😁

[Edina Street]

Played golf abroad recently and can only think they make serious money renting out clubs.

Rented out clubs from a company not affiliated to a course, couple of folk got the top of the range for £125 for 2 days. Presumably the whole set would have cost about £2k or so, so you’d make it back fairly quickly.

I rented cheaper ones which were £65 for a set that costs £950. So about 15 days rental and they’re paid for. Obviously more to it than that but it seemed an opportunity to make a good amount of money if you’re place somewhere popular for golf.

Definitely a lot of money to be made out of renting.

Whether it be cars, vans, tools, property.

You could try striking an affiliates deal with WGT where-by you rent out virtual golf clubs to members of your Country Club House in return for buying in bulk from WGT online golf.

Try it. You may be the first ever person to make this proposal to them.

[Edina Street]

I started my yarn dyeing business before I retired and do very little online business but word of mouth and Google drives customers to my studio. I open Easter to September 4 days a week as well as local markets and craft fairs.

Today I was asked to open for a group of Americans from Michigan, 24 customers on a trip to Scotland and I'm a happy bunny, now have to replace what they bought!! 😁

How does Google analytics decide what goes to the top of a google search and what does not? I currently have three different enterprises on the go, but only one of the Google enterprises shows at the top of a google search. My other two are not showing.

I have tried contacting google about this, and they told me to verify myself and that would do it. I have done this, but nothing.

However the other venture which is at the top of google went to the top of google without any effort from me.

So I don't understand how this aspect works.

[Smartie]

How does Google analytics decide what goes to the top of a google search and what does not? I currently have three different enterprises on the go, but only one of the Google enterprises shows at the top of a google search. My other two are not showing.

I have tried contacting google about this, and they told me to verify myself and that would do it. I have done this, but nothing.

However the other venture which is at the top of google went to the top of google without any effort from me.

So I don't understand how this aspect works.

It’s a bit of a dark art, but to the best of my knowledge - it’s all “algorithms”.

Part of it is often down to how established a business (or institution) is in a particular field, how relevant it is to the search, the more relevant the better.

Then you’ve got the words within the website. This stuff is an industry in itself, but sometimes if the text on a website appears clunky it is because the site is trying to squeeze some key words in there with a view to gaining google prominence.

Regular blogging on the website with new content helps (not something I do but know I really should).

My business is top on google for a number of things in a very competitive field - one because I twigged early that this was significant and stole a march on the competition but also because I pay a company a fortune to keep us there with our control of ad words.

Getting over 100 5 star google reviews does you no harm either.

This is absolutely 100% not my field of expertise btw - just part of the world of 21st century business that we need to navigate. Somebody with proper knowledge may come along and say this is all rubbish.

[WeeRussell]

Probably stating the obvious for most here but at the very top of Google searches are ‘sponsored’ first.. where companies have literally paid to be up there.

[Scouse Hibee]

The term millionaire is a throw away term. But Giovannis and Javits can't be doing to bad. Growing and branching out.

And the Crolla's have more investment in Liverpool than they do Edinburgh. So whilst owning Berties may not seem all that impressive, Berties is only a spoke on a wheel which spans at least two different cities.

I only know this because I once had a person in a taxi I was driving that was sent from Crolla's in Liverpool to work for the Crolla's in Edinburgh, and the person did nothing but complain about how rubbish Edinburgh is compared to Liverpool.

Apart from that I have absolutely no information about their operations.

I do and can assure the Crolla family that own the Vittoria group which includes Berties have absolutely no business interests in Liverpool. There are plenty of Crollas with different business interests so it must be another family.

[Edina Street]

I do and can assure the Crolla family that own the Vittoria group which includes Berties have absolutely no business interests in Liverpool. There are plenty of Crollas with different business interests so it must be another family.

Apologies for that.

It must be a different Crolla family.

I know that little about them, that I barely knew there was a Crolla family in operation in Edinburgh, let alone two.

Because here is the website of a Crolla family that have chains in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Liverpool.
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

These Crollas are descended from Walter Crolla from Picinisco near Rome, and also have/had a restaurant in Helensburgh, also named Vittorio.

It must have been the Crollas that also have branches in Glasgow and Liverpool that got in my taxi. This is obviously not the same Crolla that you know, that only has one little takeaway/restaurant in Edinburgh. Are you sure that the Crolla that you know is even a Crolla at all? and not simply trying to cash in on the Crolla name? I suspect you will find that it is the same Crolla though, and that it is purely human nature for men to try and make it appear to their mates that they are the "owner" of their business. However you will find out that he is actually only the manager, managing the premises for the Crolla family at large.


They seem like a very respectable family actually (I hope it is the same family as I am a huge fan of selfless men such as Walter Crolla whom build a family mentality and foundation for their descendants to build on and pass down from generation to generation. I hope they never give birth to a selfish black sheep that comes along and just sells it all to some American corporate tycoon and leaves their off spring living in council flats in Toxteth)
The backdrop of the Crolla family is the mountain village of Picinisco, high in the Apennines, from where Walter Crolla took his family, to settle eventually in Scotland, and now Liverpool, bringing with them Italy’s passion for food.

[Scouse Hibee]

Apologies for that.

It must be a different Crolla family.

I know that little about them, that I barely knew there was a Crolla family in operation in Edinburgh, let alone two.

Because here is the website of a Crolla family that have chains in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Liverpool.
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

These Crollas are descended from Walter Crolla from Picinisco near Rome, and also have/had a restaurant in Helensburgh, also named Vittorio.

It must have been the Crollas that also have branches in Glasgow and Liverpool that got in my taxi. This is obviously not the same Crolla that you know, that only has one little takeaway/restaurant in Edinburgh. Are you sure that the Crolla that you know is even a Crolla at all? and not simply trying to cash in on the Crolla name? I suspect you will find that it is the same Crolla though, and that it is purely human nature for men to try and make it appear to their mates that they are the "owner" of their business. However you will find out that he is actually only the manager, managing the premises for the Crolla family at large.


They seem like a very respectable family actually (I hope it is the same family as I am a huge fan of selfless men such as Walter Crolla whom build a family mentality and foundation for their descendants to build on and pass down from generation to generation. I hope they never give birth to a selfish black sheep that comes along and just sells it all to some American corporate tycoon and leaves their off spring living in council flats in Toxteth)
The backdrop of the Crolla family is the mountain village of Picinisco, high in the Apennines, from where Walter Crolla took his family, to settle eventually in Scotland, and now Liverpool, bringing with them Italy’s passion for food.



No mate, the Crolla family that I know and talk off have a lot more in Edinburgh than one takeaway. The Vittoria Group own Bertie’s, Taste of Italy, Vittoria on the Bridge, Vittoria on the Walk, Divinos and until recently the La Favorita brand which had four branches in Edinburgh. There are many Crollas in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland. I worked for The Vittoria Group owned and run by Tony Crolla, his sons Alberto & Leandro now front the business which operates solely in Edinburgh.

[Edina Street]

No mate, the Crolla family that I know and talk off have a lot more in Edinburgh than one takeaway. The Vittoria Group own Bertie’s, Taste of Italy, Vittoria on the Bridge, Vittoria on the Walk, Divinos and until recently the La Favorita brand which had four branches in Edinburgh. There are many Crollas in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland. I worked for The Vittoria Group owned and run by Tony Crolla, his sons Alberto & Leandro now front the business which operates solely in Edinburgh.

Alberto & Leandro actually 'do not' "front" the business. That sounds like nightclub talk trying to impress the girls.

Tony is not a silent owner, and is proud to call himself the owner of a respectable and hard working business which almost definitely was founded by Walter Crolla, regardless of whether Tony likes that or not. He employs his two sons. When Tony dies they may continue the family business, or may break away and claim to be the founders and owners of their very own new empire. What their family agreement is regarding who owns the Liverpool branches, Edinburgh branches or Glasgow branches is really their business. But I can assure you, I picked up a Crolla that was sent by the Crollas in Liverpool to work for the Crollas in Edinburgh, and my main point at the beginning of this discussion has been proven correct. There are still successful business people around. In this instance, actually more successful than I thought.

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonycrolla
The group prides itself on being a ‘family’ business and I am supported by my wife Angela and my two sons Alberto and Leandro

[Scouse Hibee]

Alberto & Leandro actually 'do not' "front" the business,.

Tony is not a silent owner, and is proud to call himself the owner of a respectable and hard working business which almost definitely was founded by Walter Crolla, regardless of whether Tony likes that or not. He employs his two sons. What their family agreement is regarding who owns the Liverpool branches, Edinburgh branches or Glasgow branches is really their business. But I can assure you, I picked up a Crolla that was sent by the Crollas in Liverpool to work for the Crollas in Edinburgh.

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonycrolla
The group prides itself on being a ‘family’ business and I am supported by my wife Angela and my two sons Alberto and Leandro

Mate we are talking about two completely different families and different entities I can assure you Walter Crolla has absolutely no association. Vittorias first ever business was on Leith Walk/Brunswick Street started by Tony’s father Alberto Snr. I know what I know is fact, you will find that Leandro and Alberto are indeed the face of the business as Tony has taken a step back.
Let me assure you 100% that having been a member of Tony’s executive team for six years I know what I am talking about. There are many Crolla’s in Edinburgh with different business interests. I still speak regularly with Tony, Alberto and Leandro. Trust me there are no Liverpool branches connected to them, they had a brief try in Glasgow in Gibson Street with a La Favorita branch but it didn’t last long. 100% an Edinburgh business started by Alberto Snr. Walter Crolla has absolutely nothing to do with the Vittoria Group and never has had. I was at Alberto Snrs funeral, I know what I am talking about trust me.

[Edina Street]

Mate we are talking about two completely different families and different entities I can assure you Walter Crolla has absolutely no association. Vittorias first ever business was on Leith Walk/Brunswick Street started by Tony’s father Alberto Snr. I know what I know is fact, you will find that Leandro and Alberto are indeed the face of the business as Tony has taken a step back.
Let me assure you 100% that having been a member of Tony’s executive team for six years I know what I am talking about. There are many Crolla’s in Edinburgh with different business interests. I still speak regularly with Tony, Alberto and Leandro. Trust me there are no Liverpool branches connected to them, they had a brief try in Glasgow in Gibson Street with a La Favorita branch but it didn’t last long. 100% an Edinburgh business started by Alberto Snr. Walter Crolla has absolutely nothing to do with the Vittoria Group and never has had. I was at Alberto Snrs funeral, I know what I am talking about trust me.

You obviously did not bother to open the link I sent you to the Crolla family website.

Walter Crolla founded the Vittorio group, and founded branches in Helensburgh, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and it later spread to Liverpool.

I imagine that Vittorio in English is Vittoria.

There simply are 'not' two competing chains of Crollas in Edinburgh. It 'is' the same people.

LINK (Please open and read)
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

P.S
Read the link above.

I don't doubt that you worked for them as an executive officer for six years. Perhaps when Tony was younger he felt bad about having to work for the family and wanted to be his own man with his own empire. Or maybe it was Alberto that wanted to run his own show rather than work for the family. It is perfectly natural. This is maybe why you worked for them for six years without them ever telling you that they are part of the Walter Crolla family. IDK.

It is also possible that the information on the Crolla family website is wrong. And in fact Alberto is the founder. In which case you only know this because you have inside information, which the rest of the world do not.

[Scouse Hibee]

You obviously did not bother to open the link I sent you to the Crolla family website.

Walter Crolla founded the Vittorio group, and founded branches in Helensburgh, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and it later spread to Liverpool.

I imagine that Vittorio in English is Vittoria.

There simply are 'not' two competing chains of Crollas in Edinburgh. It 'is' the same people.

LINK (Please open and read)
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

P.S
Read the link above.

I don't doubt that you worked for them as an executive officer for six years. Perhaps when Tony was younger he felt bad about having to work for the family and wanted to be his own man with his own empire. Or maybe it was Alberto that wanted to run his own show rather than work for the family. It is perfectly natural. This is maybe why you worked for them for six years without them ever telling you that they are part of the Walter Crolla family. IDK.

Christ on a bike!!!

BE TOLD……. Vittorio is NOT the Vittoria Group!! Do some proper research and then come back and apologise. Walter Crolla has NO association and Tony’s father Alberto Snr was the founder.
I hate it when people just ignore facts and go off on some crusade stating the completely wrong chain of events even after I have told you are wrong!!!!

Vittoria: Iconic Edinburgh restaurant pays tribute to founder, Alberto Crolla Snr, who has passed away
The founder of the Capital’s Vittoria Group, Alberto Crolla Snr has passed away.
The above is from the Scotsman

[Edina Street]

Christ on a bike!!!

BE TOLD……. Vittorio is NOT the Vittoria Group!! Do some proper research and then come back and apologise. Walter Crolla has NO association and Tony’s father Tony Snr was the founder.
I hate it when people just ignore facts and go off on some crusade stating the completely wrong chain of events even after I have told you are wrong!!!!

Vittoria: Iconic Edinburgh restaurant pays tribute to founder, Alberto Crolla Snr, who has passed away
The founder of the Capital’s Vittoria Group, Alberto Crolla Snr has passed away.
The above is from the Scotsman

You could be correct.

But the Crolla Family Website says different.
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

Obviously you know the truth because you have inside information.

It must be extremely frustrating when there are a group of Crollas building a website claiming to be owners of an Edinburgh food chain founded by Walter Crolla, when you know that it was actually founded by Alberto Crolla.

Is it possible that Alberto Crolla broke away from the Vittorio group in order to become his own man, and changed one little letter in the group name? An O to an A?

[CropleyWasGod]

You obviously did not bother to open the link I sent you to the Crolla family website.

Walter Crolla founded the Vittorio group, and founded branches in Helensburgh, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and it later spread to Liverpool.

I imagine that Vittorio in English is Vittoria.

There simply are 'not' two competing chains of Crollas in Edinburgh. It 'is' the same people.

LINK (Please open and read)
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

P.S
Read the link above.

I don't doubt that you worked for them as an executive officer for six years. Perhaps when Tony was younger he felt bad about having to work for the family and wanted to be his own man with his own empire. Or maybe it was Alberto that wanted to run his own show rather than work for the family. It is perfectly natural. This is maybe why you worked for them for six years without them ever telling you that they are part of the Walter Crolla family. IDK.

It is also possible that the information on the Crolla family website is wrong. And in fact Alberto is the founder. In which case you only know this because you have inside information, which the rest of the world do not.

You imagine wrong :greengrin

They are both Italian names. Vittorio is male, Vittoria female. Victor and Victoria in English.

[Pretty Boy]

Scouse is correct.

Walter Crolla's group, who I have dealt with for a decade and the company I work for far longer, has no affiliation with the Crolla's behind the Vittoria Group in Edinburgh, who unfortunately we don't deal with.

There is also another group of Crolla's in Edinburgh, again who I do deal with, who have no business link to either.

[Edina Street]

You imagine wrong :greengrin

They are both Italian names. Vittorio is male, Vittoria female. Victor and Victoria in English.

And to think that I was once a student of Stephen Luke the proud Hibee whom passed away in 2023 that taught Italian language and tourism at Stevenson College, and I don't even know that Vottoria is also an Italian word.

What a terrible teacher he must have been!

Or maybe I spent to much time in the pub instead of actually attending his classes.

[Scouse Hibee]

You could be correct.

But the Crolla Family Website says different.
https://theitalianclubfamily.com/our-story/

Obviously you know the truth because you have inside information.

It must be extremely frustrating when there are a group of Crollas building a website claiming to be owners of an Edinburgh food chain founded by Walter Crolla, when you know that it was actually founded by Alberto Crolla.

Is it possible that Alberto Crolla broke away from the Vittorio group in order to become his own man, and changed one little letter in the group name? An O to an A?

Can you please accept that Crolla is a very common Italian name. There are no websites where someone is making any false claims. To give you an idea a well know Edinburgh businessman Tony Crolla died a few years ago, not the Vittoria Group. Joe Crolla owns restaurants in the city, again not The Vittoria Group. Walter Crolla founded a successful business icovering many cities, again not the Vittoria Group. EatItalias Chippy on leave walk is owned and operated by Tony Crolla of the Vittoria Groups sister but it is not part of the Vittoria Group business. Alberto Crolla started the business in the 70’s, he never broke away from anywhere, his Tony eventually took over and is still the chairman but Alberto Jnr and Leandro run the businesses.
I can why the name Crolla has caused confusion but there are many in Edinburgh and none are making false claims.

[Edina Street]

Scouse is correct.

Walter Crolla's group, who I have dealt with for a decade and the company I work for far longer, has no affiliation with the Crolla's behind the Vittoria Group in Edinburgh, who unfortunately we don't deal with.

There is also another group of Crolla's in Edinburgh, again who I do deal with, who have no business link to either.

It just shows you though that Edinburgh is a bigger city than we imagine.

Who would have thought it. A Walter Crolla from Southern Italy arrives in Edinburgh during WW2, probably spends time in one of those immigration camps of the time, and then builds a food chain in Edinburgh named Vittorios, and then in 1970 an Alberto Crolla Senior from Southern Italy arrives and builds a seperate food chain called Vittorias, and Alberto has absolutely no connection to Walter whatsoever.

Now 'that' is what you call a coincidence.

However if you went across to Thailand and you met a Brit over there. You would almost definitely become a part of that Brit's colony. If you met a bloke from Edinburgh over there with the exact same surname as you, he would most definitely become like a brother to you.

The Alberto branch will 100% definitely be very good friends with the Walter branch, especially when on Scottish shores. There is absolutely no way on this earth they will not know each other. It is likely that they have inter-married with each other, as ex pats always stick together.

https://www.thecaterer.com/news/restaurant/restaurateur-tony-crolla-awarded-top-italian-gong
Crolla was born in Edinburgh and has family roots in southern Italy. With his family he owns the Vittoria restaurant group, which has four sites in Edinburgh, including Vittoria on the Bridge, Vittoria on Leith Walk, La Favorita and Divino Enoteca.
They also own and operate the La Favorita delivery business, with shops in Morningshide, Leith, Portobello and Blackhall.
Crolla's father, Alberto Crolla Sr, opened the family's first restaurant, Vittoria on Leith Walk, in 1970. The company now employs more than 250 staff across its restaurant and delivery sites.

[Edina Street]

Can you please accept that Crolla is a very common Italian name. There are no websites where someone is making any false claims. To give you an idea a well know Edinburgh businessman Tony Crolla died a few years ago, not the Vittoria Group. Joe Crolla owns restaurants in the city, again not The Vittoria Group. Walter Crolla founded a successful business icovering many cities, again not the Vittoria Group. EatItalias Chippy on leave walk is owned and operated by Tony Crolla of the Vittoria Groups sister but it is not part of the Vittoria Group business. Alberto Crolla started the business in the 70’s, he never broke away from anywhere, his Tony eventually took over and is still the chairman but Alberto Jnr and Leandro run the businesses.
I can why the name Crolla has caused confusion but there are many in Edinburgh and none are making false claims.

I have had this debate many times with conspiracy theorist debunkers. I usually debate conspiracy theorists, however whenever my fellow conspiracy theorists debunkers turn on them and use the argument that not everyone with the same or similar name is connected, I actually turn the other way and insist to the conspiracy debunkers that that is also not a good argument. As a member of Historum, I can confirm that most reputable conventional historians would actually find it very unlikely that when people have the same surname, or a similar derivative, they are most likely more connected to each other than even they themselves may know.

Genealogists are also of the exact same opinion.

Whether they announce this fact on the Britannica encyclopedia or wikipedia, does not necessarily represent their true thoughts on the subject. When on a private website you can get a better understanding of their true personal beliefs, and they would definitely be more in support of the conspiracy theorists than the debunkers when it comes to the likelihood of people with same surnames being connected.

[CropleyWasGod]

I have had this debate many times with conspiracy theorist debunkers. I usually debate conspiracy theorists, however whenever my fellow conspiracy theorists debunkers turn on them and use the argument that not everyone with the same or similar name is connected, I actually turn the other way and insist to the conspiracy debunkers that that is also not a good argument. As a member of Historum, I can confirm that most reputable conventional historians would actually find it very unlikely that when people have the same surname, or a similar derivative, they are most likely more connected to each other than even they themselves may know.

Genealogists are also of the exact same opinion.

Whether they announce this fact on the Britannica encyclopedia or wikipedia, does not necessarily represent their true thoughts on the subject. When on a private website you can get a better understanding of their true personal beliefs, and they would definitely be more in support of the conspiracy theorists than the debunkers when it comes to the likelihood of people with same surnames being connected.

Maybe we can accept that, in modern times, the families are not knowingly related, and get back to your real reasons for starting this thread.:cb

[Alfiembra]

In an attempt to get the thread back on track, I had a business idea long long time ago that I always wished I had the knowledge and acumen to get it started. As a golfer I was always curious what happened to the original scorecards that professional golfers used and signed during championships. As I thought there would be a huge collector’s market for an original scorecard that would have been signed by the greats in golf. Tiger and Rory more recently but when I had the idea Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson were the heroes of that time. I contacted the R&A about it and did receive a reply but it was non committal and they were not seeking to pursue a business opportunity of that kind at that time.
Can you imagine though how much the winning scorecard say between Nicklaus and Watson at Turnberry would be worth now or any any of the great battles in the Majors. Ah well C’est la Vie.

[Bridge hibs]

So is this thread about starting a business or about the Crolla family ? 😁

[pollution]

Can you please accept that Crolla is a very common Italian name. There are no websites where someone is making any false claims. To give you an idea a well know Edinburgh businessman Tony Crolla died a few years ago, not the Vittoria Group. Joe Crolla owns restaurants in the city, again not The Vittoria Group. Walter Crolla founded a successful business icovering many cities, again not the Vittoria Group. EatItalias Chippy on leave walk is owned and operated by Tony Crolla of the Vittoria Groups sister but it is not part of the Vittoria Group business. Alberto Crolla started the business in the 70’s, he never broke away from anywhere, his Tony eventually took over and is still the chairman but Alberto Jnr and Leandro run the businesses.
I can why the name Crolla has caused confusion but there are many in Edinburgh and none are making false claims.


Re Crolla being a common Italian surname in Scotland in particular, I confirm that, being of the Crolla family myself.

The original Crollas came from the village of Picinisco in the Lazio region and that area in the late 1890's and there have been many many generations since then.

Edinburgh and Glasgow were the main areas where they settled and the Crolla family mentioned in the thread are probably from that generic family.

I personally don't know them and I wish them well.

[McSwanky]

What about the Crolla's in Musselburgh?

https://crollasitalian.com/story/

:duck:

[Moulin Yarns]

How does Google analytics decide what goes to the top of a google search and what does not? I currently have three different enterprises on the go, but only one of the Google enterprises shows at the top of a google search. My other two are not showing.

I have tried contacting google about this, and they told me to verify myself and that would do it. I have done this, but nothing.

However the other venture which is at the top of google went to the top of google without any effort from me.

So I don't understand how this aspect works.

Smartie answered your question well, I think I have to add that I have no other business within 30 minutes drive that sells the same product and I am close enough to the A9 that I get tourists who searched "wool shop" "pitlochry". Having a special interest that is quite niche helps.

Today a woman from Melbourne came in and left with 12 items!!

[Jack]

A business idea could be helping find long lost friends.

I had a friend called Ben Crolla, played in goals at the same club as me 🫣

[grunt]

Yeah they bought the Barracuda as it was pumping their business along the road, they have now closed that one down so back to one chippy and all the business back to their joint
Wait a minute! Are you saying the Northfield Fry is closed??? When did that happen?

[Jones28]

A business idea could be helping find long lost friends.

I had a friend called Ben Crolla, played in goals at the same club as me 🫣

Mark Crolla who had the wee shop at the bottom of Whale Brae as well - local legend and had to shut up shop when the Leith Asda opened. Good Hibby as well, last time I saw him was on the pitch at Hampden.

[Bridge hibs]

Wait a minute! Are you saying the Northfield Fry is closed??? When did that happen?

Not sure mate it was my Wife who told me as it was mentioned on one of those Porty facebook pages

27841

[hibsbollah]

A business idea could be helping find long lost friends.

I had a friend called Ben Crolla, played in goals at the same club as me 🫣

I dont know anyone called Crolla.

[JeMeSouviens]

I dont know anyone called Crolla.

The chippy in Currie was run by Crollas when I was wee. "Greasy Bernie's" - think its real name was the Currie Fish Bar? His sons Danny and Robbie were in the years above me at school. Fascinating, I know :greengrin

[CropleyWasGod]

I dont know anyone called Crolla.

Think we had one on our books in the 70s or 80s?

Canny remember if he could trap a fish supper or no.

[Bridge hibs]

Think we had one on our books in the 70s or 80s?

Canny remember if he could trap a fish supper or no.

Carlo

27842

[Newhaven]

Mark Crolla who had the wee shop at the bottom of Whale Brae as well - local legend and had to shut up shop when the Leith Asda opened. Good Hibby as well, last time I saw him was on the pitch at Hampden.

That takes me back.

His dad was Tony who had the shop before him. Did his brother also not have a shop in grove street?

[HibbyDave]

I’m A retired IFA.
Now looking for something part-time such as delivering cars between garages etc.
Also have ideas about providing mini tours of Edinburgh and lothians etc

[Smartie]

I’m trying to think of all the different Crollas I know of - off the top of my head - there are the ones at Pierino’s on Bernard Street, there’s the ice cream shop at the Shore, the Vittorias ones and the ones who had / have Bar Napoli and had Quattro Zero.

Whilst I’m sure they’ll be distantly related, I’m pretty sure these are all distinct entities - which is quite unusual for a distinctive name all working in the hospitality industry in fairly close proximity to one another.

I’m not pretending to have any knowledge of them at all - but I’ve bought a fair bit of scran out of all of these places over the years, all of them being pretty damn excellent in their respective fields.

[Since90+2]

I’m trying to think of all the different Crollas I know of - off the top of my head - there are the ones at Pierino’s on Bernard Street, there’s the ice cream shop at the Shore, the Vittorias ones and the ones who had / have Bar Napoli and had Quattro Zero.

Whilst I’m sure they’ll be distantly related, I’m pretty sure these are all distinct entities - which is quite unusual for a distinctive name all working in the hospitality industry in fairly close proximity to one another.

I’m not pretending to have any knowledge of them at all - but I’ve bought a fair bit of scran out of all of these places over the years, all of them being pretty damn excellent in their respective fields.

Valvona and Crolla too.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Anyone want to launch a takeover of all companies owned by a Crolla?

[Pretty Boy]

Valvona and Crolla too.

Currently run by a Contini, but not connected (as a business) to the restaurants on George Street, Castlehill and at the National Gallery.

To add to the dynamic it was founded by an Alfonso Crolla then handed over to a Vittorio Crolla.

No wonder people get confused.

[CropleyWasGod]

Anyone want to launch a takeover of all companies owned by a Crolla?

A Crollective, you mean?

[Keith_M]

So is this thread about starting a business or about the Crolla family ? ��


I've just through the whole thread and don't know whether to laugh or cry.



:LOL:

[silverhibee]

Wasn’t there one down seafield?

There was, don’t know if it’s still there though.

[silverhibee]

I would love to do my podcast full time. I tried to start a business doing leadership training after being made redundant last year, but some illness in the family meant I had to sack that idea and go back into full time employment.

If it wasn’t the podcast i had a coffin rental business idea with Colin, or a proper nice burger van.

Deek’s is selling a burger van, needs a bit work mechanically but it’s just been wrapped and everything working on it. :thumbsup:

[silverhibee]

Think we had one on our books in the 70s or 80s?

Canny remember if he could trap a fish supper or no.

Paul Crolla opened the first chippy in Muirhouse shopping centre, fled the country owning the tax man a few quid allegedly.

[WeeRussell]

There is a chippy (was chippies) in Galashiels owned by Crollas too.

Hope naebody starts launching websites at me and telling I’m wrong.

[matty_f]

I’m trying to think of all the different Crollas I know of - off the top of my head - there are the ones at Pierino’s on Bernard Street, there’s the ice cream shop at the Shore, the Vittorias ones and the ones who had / have Bar Napoli and had Quattro Zero.

Whilst I’m sure they’ll be distantly related, I’m pretty sure these are all distinct entities - which is quite unusual for a distinctive name all working in the hospitality industry in fairly close proximity to one another.

I’m not pretending to have any knowledge of them at all - but I’ve bought a fair bit of scran out of all of these places over the years, all of them being pretty damn excellent in their respective fields.

I used to rent the flat above Pierino's many, many years ago. He was the landlord. Decent chippy, as well.

[matty_f]

I'd like to create an app that made it easy for folk to admit they're wrong on the internet.

[Scouse Hibee]

Before we opened the Chippy I had never considered working for myself. I’m a time served joiner and pretty handy at most things. Can see myself doing small handyman type jobs on a voluntarily basis when I step back from the Chippy, so while not being a business idea as such it will give me pleasure helping folk and using my skills.

[CropleyWasGod]

I've been self-employed for over 35 years.

There's a hundred reasons to do it, and a thousand not to :greengrin

What I would say is that, if it's something you want to do, give it a go, even if that is part-time and on the side of your main income. Otherwise, you're always going to wonder "what if?".

It takes a certain skillset to work for yourself. It doesn't matter how good a joiner/driver/lawyer you are, if you don't have those skills, it's not going to work. Conversely, you don't have to be the best at what you do to make a success on your own.

And how do you find out if you have those skills? Sometimes, the only way is to dive in.... you'll soon find out.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I used to rent the flat above Pierino's many, many years ago. He was the landlord. Decent chippy, as well.

Pierinos is a great chippy. Without a doubt the best ‘chippy’ pizzas in Edinburgh.

[matty_f]

Pierinos is a great chippy. Without a doubt the best ‘chippy’ pizzas in Edinburgh.

I've not been in for years but it was good (and too handy) when I lived above it!

[WoreTheGreen]

Think we had one on our books in the 70s or 80s?

Canny remember if he could trap a fish supper or no.

I was there the same time as Carlo and now sits behind at ER both
season ticket holders

[lapsedhibee]

Wasn’t there one down seafield?

Piershill.

Piershill Cemetery

The cemetery appears unexceptional but includes a number of curious military memorials, and 63 Commonwealth war graves. To the east there is a large section reserved for Jewish burials and to the north-west is Scotland's first and Edinburgh's only Pet Cemetery.

Not sure if it's still going. The people who used to run it are no longer in the cemetery's gatehouse, which was featured a couple of years ago on one of the love it/list it/whatever house entertainment shows.

[Edina Street]

There is a chippy (was chippies) in Galashiels owned by Crollas too.

Hope naebody starts launching websites at me and telling I’m wrong.

According to this the Crollas are all one family.

They all come from Picinisco.

They began migrating here in the 19th Century.

They are all brothers, nephews and cousins.

Had the Crollas chosen drugs over Spaghetti they would be considered Mafiozo.

FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

The Crolla family have been in Scotland since the late 19th century. The first Crollas arrived in 1880s-1890s, having walked their way to Scotland from Picinisco (http://www.comune.picinisco.fr.it/).The main icon of the Crolla family in Scotland is Valvona and Crolla, which probably explains why there are so many Crollas in Scotland, following the boom in Italian foods after the second world war.Victor Crolla was an entrepeneur of his times. Old Vittorio Crolla, who sadly passed away a few years ago, was my father’s uncle. There were no supermarkets in the 1960s. To get a bottle of olive oil or a kilo of spaghetti in places like Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Stonehaven or Aberdeen was like smuggling drugs.
https://www.gaddaprize.ed.ac.uk/sponsors/crollaamato.php#:~:text=The%20Crolla%20family%20ha ve%20been,way%20to%20Scotland%20from%20Picinisco.

However I do not know the Crollas. They seem like a decent and respectable family. However I apologise if I accidently derailed my own thread. I promise the subject is actually of no interest to me.

I am also getting the impression that the Crollas themselves would not agree with the consensus that they are all here as seperate units by coincidence.

They also state categorically that Vittoria is the same company as Vittorio.

I also did not end up being correct because I have any inside information. Quite simply from an Academic stand point Occam's Razor would advise not putting to much faith in coincidences, as coincidences, whilst they do happen, are more often the less likely explanation.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I promise the subject is actually of no interest to me.

I find that quite difficult to believe going by your numerous posts on this thread.

[Scouse Hibee]

I find that quite difficult to believe going by your numerous posts on this thread.

😂

[Edina Street]

I find that quite difficult to believe going by your numerous posts on this thread.

It took over seven days for me to respond.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

It took over seven days for me to respond.

In depth research does take a while.