Business December, 27th 2009 by Simon Schönbeck

Novellis shut down

Restaurant Novellis in Hotel Lorcrimar (Puerto Banus) has shut down. Jean-Christophe Novelli has instructed celebrity lawyer Dean Dunham to terminate his agreement with Hotel Lorcrimar forthwith.

Under his agreement with Hotel Lorcrimar Novelli devised menus for the restaurant, helped recruit the Head Chef, kitchen and restaurant team including his own brother Anthony Novelli, who no longer manages there and allowed the use of his name, brand and image. It appeared that the venture was a great success after the laborious launch earlier in the year which had a star studded turn out, including; Max Clifford, and a huge list of celebrities.

Within months of the launch it became apparent to Novelli that the business operators of the hotel were having financial difficulties and when the quality and standard of the restaurant operation started to fall below the high standards demanded by Novelli he had no choice but to take steps to terminate his agreement and protect his good name and brand.

Novelli commented: “I am very sad about what has happened with Hotel Lorcrimar. I have tried to work with the operators of the hotel but they have consistently ignored my advice and wishes.”

Novelli further commented: “I would like to apologise to any customers with future bookings, especially during the festive season. However, in light of the fact that the situation had deteriorated to such a degree, I believe that there was no other way to proceed but to remove ourselves and substantial part of the team completely”

Novelli is already looking into various exciting new ventures, ideas and opportunities and will communicate to everyone when news is due.