Glasgow cafe owner painted by royal portrait artist

Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: Supplied)

Reid previously painted King Charles III in 2019, when he was still Prince of Wales.

The portrait will feature in an exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery from October 28 to November 2, alongside portraits of three other independent business owners.

The campaign aims to highlight the role of independent businesses on Britain’s high streets by presenting their owners in a style traditionally associated with royalty, celebrities and prominent public figures.

Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Verrecchia’s grandfather, Pasquale, opened the University Cafe in 1918. The fifth-generation family business has since become a Glasgow institution, combining its Italian heritage with Scottish favourites and serving generations of customers.

The other business owners featured in the exhibition are a pub landlord, a takeaway owner and a convenience store owner. Their portraits were created by artists Nicky Philipps, Nick Bashall and Jamie Coreth, who have also painted members of the Royal Family.

Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: Supplied)

Each business owner will receive a copy of their portrait and a donation to a charity of their choice.

The University Cafe has welcomed a number of famous visitors over the years, including celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who once stopped by for battered haggis.

Gino Verrecchia, owner of the University Cafe, said: “The University Cafe has seen a lot over the years, from celebrity visits to starring on the big screen, but being named Local Royalty by Coca-Cola is a first.

“It was a wonderful surprise to find out I’d been selected, and it’s been a fantastic experience.

“Seeing Gareth’s portrait come to life has been fascinating and made the experience even more special.

“We’re proud to be a fifth-generation family business, but it really is the people of Glasgow who have kept the cafe at the heart of the community for more than a century.”

Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: Supplied)

Gareth Reid, portrait artist, said: “I wanted to meet Gino in a casual setting where he would be comfortable, and I know the University Cafe very well.

“This is a Glasgow institution, known and loved by so many people in the city so I wanted to make it just as much part of the portrait as Gino.

“Gino is front and centre, relaxed but in charge, showing a hint of mischief and recognisably within the walls of his iconic cafe.”

Dusan Stojankic, vice-president and general manager for Great Britain and Ireland at Coca-Cola, said: “Independent businesses, like Gino’s, are the backbone of modern Britain.

“The businessmen and women that run them work tirelessly and are at the very centre of their communities.

“We’re proud to have worked alongside them for more than 125 years, and with 97 per cent of our products sold here also being produced and bottled here, we’re invested in local communities.

“This exhibition is an ode to them. Put simply, they are local royalty.”