AN award-winning Johnstone takeaway is under new ownership.

Ahmed Chennoufi, who was previously head chef at well-known Glasgow restaurant Il Pavone, is now looking to build on Pizza Crolla’s success after the High Street business won a 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

The 40-year-old is looking forward to treating Renfrewshire foodies to his Italian pastas and pizzas, as well as serving traditional fish and chip shop favourites seven nights a week.

Ahmed told The Gazette: “I am so excited to be taking ownership of a takeaway shop which has already proved to be so popular with people in Johnstone and the surrounding areas.

“I had great times as head chef in Il Pavone but I wanted to take ownership of my own business and am hoping my dishes go down a storm in Johnstone.

“Here at Pizza Crolla we will be serving up the tastiest, freshest dishes at a reasonable price.”

Ahmed said that, after being restricted to the kitchen at Il Pavone, in Princes Square, he is looking forward to the chance to interact with customers at Pizza Crolla.

“Throughout my chef career, customer service has been vital to me and, after cooking away behind the scenes at Il Pavone, I really want to build up a brilliant rapport with my new customers,” he added.

Ahmed also welcomed the Tripadvisor award for Pizza Crolla, which has an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating on the popular review site.

He said: “Winning a Tripadvisor award is a fantastic achievement by the previous owners.

“I want to build on that success and treat my new customers to some of the dishes which proved to be so successful in Il Pavone.”