Man behind casual dining revolution and Pizza Express dies aged 89

THE FOUNDER of Pizza Express, Peter Boizot, has died at the age of 89.

His sister, Clementine Allen, said he died at his home in Peterborough.

A serial entrepreneur, Mr Boizot opened the first Pizza Express in Wardour Street in London’s Soho, in 1965 and is credited by many with revolutionising the casual dining experience.

The brand now has more than 500 restaurants worldwide.

Pizza Express managing director, Zoe Bowley, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Peter Boizot passed away on December 5, 2018.

“In his 89 years, this remarkable entrepreneur achieved an astonishing amount, not just within the dining industry, but across music, sport, and charity as well.

“He launched a culinary revolution with the first Pizza Express in 1965, introducing delicious pizza and casual dining to the UK, inspired by his travels in Italy. His philanthropic work was renowned, raising £2m for the Venice In Peril fund and he inspired the company to continue this charitable mission.

“Peter’s spirit and vision to bring great pizza to the UK and beyond, and his passion for good food and good times, will live on. We will miss him dearly.”

Mr Boizot was a former owner of Peterborough United, which posted a statement saying: “Peterborough United Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former owner and chairman Peter Boizot at the age of 89.

“The Pizza Express founder was a major part of the success in the late 1990s/early 2000s when Posh secured promotion at Wembley in 2000. Everybody at the football club would like to express our condolences.”