A CAREER-DRIVEN hospitality worker has taken over a popular pizzeria in Halstead’s High Street and intends to revitalise it.

Tomas Zuj, 36, is currently moving to Halstead as he is the new owner of the Dough & Co Halstead, after working at the company’s head office since 2018.

He learned from Dough & Co boss Christopher Sharman, who originally started the business from a vintage horse box.

Over the years, Tomas has helped Christopher and the team operate restaurants in Colchester, Halstead, Saffron Walden and Sudbury.

Halstead Gazette: Tasty - one of the many delicious pizzas made from Dough & CoTasty - one of the many delicious pizzas made from Dough & Co (Image: Dough & Co)

With a 16-year career in the hospitality sector, Tomas has always dreamed of officially owning a restaurant and the Halstead Dough & Co was the perfect place to start.

Tomas said: “I’ve always been passionate about hospitality.

“I have always wanted to be an owner of a business. It was never viable before, so I worked for Chris to gain experience. I’ve learned a lot from Chris.

“I always needed to make a first step, and Halstead just made sense. I think it’s the perfect site.”

Halstead Gazette: Site - a street view image of Dough & Co in HalsteadSite - a street view image of Dough & Co in Halstead (Image: Google Maps)

The pizza chain uses traditional wood-fired pizza ovens when preparing its freshly made meals.

The Halstead restaurant opened in September 2020 after the Sudbury branch saw high demand for its delivery service from the Halstead area.

Tomas took over the franchise this month and is looking forward to ensuring it gives the best customer service possible.

He said: “I want to make people happy; I want to provide them with the best quality food and service in town.

"I am excited and looking forward to the future. It doesn’t change my job - I still make sure the customer satisfaction is always there, it’s more responsibility.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making it more successful.

Halstead Gazette: In charge - Tomas ZujIn charge - Tomas Zuj (Image: Dough & Co)

“Dough & Co Halstead is a small site, and some people don’t know we exist.

“Firstly, I want to attract more people so they can come in with their families and try the food.

“We’re also looking at improving the in-restaurant service, and the takeaway service.”