The owner of a new restaurant has responded to claims his eatery is using the popularity of a former restaurant of the same name to boost his business.

Topolino, in Church Road, Hove, is set to open in around two weeks and will serve up fish, pizza, and pasta dishes.

But when the sign was unveiled, it was highlighted that a hugely successful Italian restaurant named Topolino Duo was situated just a few doors away before it closed in 2014.

The old restaurant saw many famous faces pass through its doors and was a particular favourite of TV star Des Lynam, who even celebrated his 70th birthday there before it closed due to retirement.

It was also used by former Albion chairman Dick Knight to hire and fire players across the years, with club legend Bobby Zamora putting pen to paper there when he signed in 2000.

And when a picture appeared online this week showing a Topolino set to open in Hove, excitement began to build for the popular eatery’s return.

However, rumours were quickly rubbished by Angelo Cavallo, who ran Topolino Duo for 28 years.

The Argus: Angelo and Linda Cavallo, former owners of Topolino Duo in Church Road, HoveAngelo and Linda Cavallo, former owners of Topolino Duo in Church Road, Hove (Image: Tony Wood)

“The Cavallo family wish to inform our past loyal customers and friends of the many years where we traded under Topolino, Borsalino and Topolino Duo, that we have no affiliations whatsoever with the establishment about to trade with the same name,” he said.

“We do not wish people to think that we are trading again.”

The Argus contacted the owner of the new Topolino, Kujtim Kalaj, who insisted he did not intend to cause upset to the Cavallo family or the community.

“Topolino is a name that we have always envisaged since the conception of opening our Italian restaurant came to being,” he said.

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“My nieces in Italy talk fondly of Topolino, which means Mickey Mouse, and we feel attached to this name to represent our family-run and child-friendly restaurant to-be.”

Kujtim said he was not aware of the Cavallo family’s former restaurant and went to great lengths to ensure there were no trademarks in place on the name Topolino.

“We are very much looking forward to opening our restaurant that has been years in the making, and since the news regarding the name can only hope that the duplication will act as a compliment to the history of Hove and a testament to the future,” said Kujtim.

“We hope to welcome all the local community, including the Cavallo family, in the near future.”