WIRRAL restaurant owners have announced that their Catalonian-inspired eatery Lunya has become employee-owned.

Oxton couple Elaine and Peter Kinsella said the decision to transition their Liverpool restaurant to employee ownership was made to secure the businesses future when the pair decide to retire.

The restaurant, which was founded in 2010 by the Kinsella’s, has become a popular destination for food lovers in Liverpool offering an authentic taste of Catalonia and Spain.

Co-owner Peter said he was “proud” to announce Lunya’s transition to employee ownership, which has been achieved by selling the shares in the company to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

He said: “This significant change marks a new chapter in Lunya’s journey, as it places the future of the business in the hands of our dedicated staff, ensuring the continuation of our unique culinary and cultural experience for years to come.”  

Peter added that the transition to employee-ownership “would ensure Lunya’s core values and commitment to quality remain intact.”

He said: “The move to employee ownership reflects Elaine’s and my belief that the people who have been integral to Lunya’s success should have a stake in its future.

“This new structure not only rewards the hard work and dedication of the staff but also empowers them to play a direct role in the restaurant’s continued growth and innovation as we gradually retire.”

Co-owner Elaine was diagnosed with Myeloma in 2021, an incurable blood cancer, and has taken a back seat in the business. 

Peter will continue to lead Lunya hoping to fully retire within an approximate seven-year timescale, but scaling back some of his involvement over that time. 

His role will be that of executive chairman, or as Peter describes it, ‘the palate and principles of the business’, still working actively in the business, and mentoring the management team.

Peter added: “Elaine and I have always believed in the power of our team and their dedication to making Lunya the special place it is today.

“By transitioning to an employee-owned model, we are ensuring that Lunya’s unique character, passion for Catalan culture, and commitment to excellence will be preserved for generations to come.”  

Under the new EOT model, Lunya’s employees will have a greater say in the business’s strategic direction and a stake in its financial success.

Elaine and Peter hope an EOT will encourage staff to stay for longer and financially benefit long term from their involvement.

Elaine said: “This transition is a testament to the incredible people who make up the Lunya family.

“Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and we are thrilled to see them take an even greater role in shaping the future of Lunya.

“We believe this new chapter will bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and continued success; and eventually significant financial rewards for our team.”