RESTAURANT chain Joe Rigatonis is to refurbish several of its North-East outlets, which will see an investment of hundreds of thousands of pounds in the company.

Owner Paolo Arceri is to carry out the makeover at several of his restaurants following a successful trial at its Joe's Bar venue, in Darlington.

The Stockton franchise at Castlegate Quay, which opened 18 months ago, has been chosen as the first to be upgraded, in a project that will cost about £80,000.

Mr Arceri said that the Middlesbrough restaurant would follow soon after, in his quest to create a trendy lounge feel to the chain to complement its restaurants.

Mr Arceri said: "Joe's Bar in Darlington has been a great success and I think it can work at our other restaurants.

"The restaurant and bar go well together, it makes it a bit of destination with two reasons to go there.

"It gives people the option to have a drink or a meal or both, to make an evening of it.

"We want to appeal to a slightly older crowd who perhaps do not want to walk around a number of pubs - but they do want to find somewhere that will serve them good food and where they can also have a drink."