Marico Thomas starts renovating King’s Square landmark
Construction has started in the East End that will bring a businessman’s restaurant empire to St George’s.
Marico Thomas, who took up part-ownership of the old George & Dragon pub in February, confirmed yesterday that he had started renovations on the building.
He added that he looked forward to returning to a “magical place” from his youth.
Mr Thomas said: “In my early 20s I was a police officer working from St George’s.
“I used to walk the beat and the best part of my day was being able to visit and talk with people on the street, people in the shops and residents at home.
“I remember the activity and the energy in the town square and it’s awesome to me that, with the old pub location, we have the opportunity to participate in that.”
Work started on the building, located in the St George’s Kings Square, around mid-August.
Mr Thomas said that work to fix a leak in the roof was expected to be finished sometime next week.
He added that the balcony of the building, an iconic part of the building, had to be taken down for safety reasons.
Mr Thomas explained: “Our first act was to receive approval to remove and replace the porch.
“The porch was not in good condition and there was serious concern that it would collapse at any moment and cause terrible harm to anyone under or nearby.”
He assured that the work site was now safe and that the balcony would be replaced in due time.
Mr Thomas is the owner of Four Star Pizza, Burger Shack and Glaze Bakery.
He said that he did not want to give away too much about the restaurant’s theme.
But Mr Thomas added that it would offer “family-friendly indoor and outdoor dining” with a mix of new and traditional on the menu.
Mr Thomas said: “The reaction has been very positive and very encouraging.
“Most of the comments have been around the safety of the porch, that it’s great to see the building being used again, excitement to have access to the menu items we have and the adding to the revitalisation of the East End.”
The restaurant is scheduled to be completed in the next four to six months and could generate about 35 jobs.
Positions will include chefs, servers, cashiers, delivery drivers and managers.
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