The owner of a pizza restaurant in Southport has thanked customers and the local community for their support after the venue was targeted by vandals for the third time.
Dan Johnstone, owner of 600 Degrees on Sandon Road in Hillside, is also asking local people to keep their eyes open for anyone up to no good and for locals with any CCTV footage to share it with the police.
He is baffled why anyone would want to target his eatery, which is among a series of quality, family owned independent businesses operating in the quiet village.
Merseyside Police officers are dealing with the case.
600 Degrees has become a popular outlet in recent years, with its hand-made Neapolitan pizzas winning over an army of diners firstly through mobile catering, then as one of the original outlets inside Southport Market and now also in Hillside.
600 degrees owner Dan Johnstone said: “We are baffled why anyone would do this.
“We have no disgruntled staff, suppliers or customers, just what appears to be a disgruntled person taking it out on us.
“Merseyside Police have been very supportive and have gathered evidence from the scene with an active case ongoing.
“We would like to ask people to be vigilant. If you hear or see anything, please call Merseyside Police straight away.
“If anyone sees anything or has any CCTV footage of any incidents I would be grateful if they could share them with the police.
“We are a small local business just doing what we love. We have never had any cross words with anyone and have so many loyal and wonderful customers for which my team and myself are entirely grateful for.
“It’s a tough time for the business, myself and the family so everyone’s support is much appreciated.
“We have had so many lovely comments from people, who have been so supportive.
“We are very much open and delighted to welcome customers.
“Hillside is such a lovely community to be in, and vandalism like this is something that no-one wants to see.
“It is affecting me and my family. This is our business, our livelihood. We are doing what we love doing.
“This has been the third time someone has come and smashed our window, with the latest attack happening on 4th September.
“We have excellent CCTV, and all three incidents have been captured on our footage.
“It’s frustrating. It is always in the back of your mind.
“We are so grateful to everyone who is supporting us and would like to thank everyone for coming in to dine with us and to enjoy our takeaway pizzas.”
600 Degrees, famous for the finest Neapolitan pizza, opened in Hillside Village just before Christmas last year after impressing diners at its first venue, inside Southport Market.
Owner Dan Johnstone, Manager Rob Moore and their team have since been developing their menu and their offering for customers, including installing an outdoor area for diners.
Dan said: “It is a great place for people to sit either inside or out. It’s perfect being situated next door to the Grasshopper and near The Pines. It works really well and we all support each other.
“Hillside is a lovely place for people to come out and enjoy a few drinks, and to enjoy a pizza either dining at 600 Degrees or by collecting and taking home with you afterwards.
“Hillside has changed so much in the past few months, it is really evolving.”
Dan opened 600 Degrees as one of the first units inside Southport Market three years ago.
The opportunity has given him the confidence to develop and expand his business.
He had taken 600 Degrees to local events and food festivals before the move.
It followed Sefton Council’s £1.4 million transformation of the venue into a stylish food, drink and events venue.
600 Degrees was established in 2017, initially catering for outside events, before opening in the market four years later.
It was launched when Dan and his wife went to the Amalfi coast of Italy on their honeymoon, also spending time in Naples, the home of Neapolitan Pizza.
Dan Johnstone said: “The response since opening in Hillside has been fantastic, people have been really positive.
“We have built up a really big following since we opened at Southport Market and customers are delighted they now have the choice to come here too.”
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