A Scottish recruitment entrepreneur has spoken of how a cancer diagnosis inspired him to take over the reins of a restaurant in a picturesque village outside of Glasgow.
Paisley-born Danny McIntyre, 65, spent 25 years at the helm of multi-million-pound firm Primestaff until selling up to management in 2018.
With wife Christine by his side, he then set out to fulfil a number of “lifelong ambitions” including travelling to countries like Dubai, South Africa, and Hong Kong before returning to work with hospitality group Yes To All during the pandemic.
It was in last January, however, that everything would change for the couple as a routine medical check-up following a cough led to the discovery of prostate cancer.
READ MORE: A new restaurant's recipe for success in Glasgow's Princes Square
Fortunately, the disease was caught at an early stage, with the dad of one undergoing radiotherapy treatment at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
This experience is said to have sparked a desire to have “one last go” at running a business as he realised what was truly important to him in life.
“I wouldn’t have done this before the cancer," he explained.
"I was lucky to catch it so early, and I met plenty of people who weren’t during my treatment.
“It made me realise that I wanted to be busy.
“I needed a project that would have me more involved with people, that’s the part I loved most at Primestaff, and Yes To All, working with people every day and building a successful business around them.
“Luckily my wife Christine, who has been my absolute rock through everything, agreed, and we haven’t looked back.”
Learning that the owners of Punto, an Italian kitchen and wine bar in the heart of Kilmacolm were eager to sell, McIntyre’s keen eye for business saw an opportunity to bring something new to the venue while benefitting the local community.
He continued: “Kilmacolm was crying out for another restaurant that is also a hub of the community, a place where people can meet friends, family, community groups, or business contacts, and that provides great quality food and drinks on their doorstep so they don’t have to travel.
"It sounds simple, but it still needs to be delivered well.”
McIntyre officially took over the 42-seater restaurant in March this year and has already seen weekends fully booked by diners who have made the journey from surrounding towns and villages.
He said: “Kilmacolm is a gem that so many people in Glasgow are yet to discover.
“The right restaurant can help make it a dining destination and that’s a big part of what we’re aiming for at Punto.
We believe we’ve added something new and exciting to the mix and that more competition drives standards but also gives more people a reason to visit.
“We want to provide an alternative to Glasgow for locals but also people from the city.
“It’s a chance to enjoy a lovely meal in new surroundings and take in one of the west of Scotland’s most beautiful locations.”
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Helping to attract these visitors, one of McIntyre’s first moves was to promote young and talented chef Jamie Wade, who learned his craft at restaurants including Celinos, Mar Hall, and Ingliston Estate and Country Club, to lead the kitchen.
It’s the 26-year-old’s first head chef role, and he has already seized the opportunity delivering new lunch and evening menus featuring fresh pizzas, pasta, and classic Italian dishes, as well as weekly specials.
McIntyre said: “We want to provide people with a platform to progress their career in hospitality, while also creating opportunities for young people in need of work as they study or find their feet in life.
“It’s about building a reputation for being a good place to work, having a positive culture, and providing opportunities people want. We seem to have found the right formula.”
Outside of his work at Punto, the businessman also sits on the board of the Maggie’s Cancer Centre and has raised thousands of pounds through regular charity events.
He said of his experiences over the last few years: “I understand that going back to work wouldn’t be what everybody would do in my situation, but I feel lucky I’m still able to seize opportunities like this.
“My advice to anybody is get yourself checked out, no matter how small the issue.
“There’s no sense in dying of embarrassment.”
Punto is located at 4 St James Terrace, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm
For more information visit their website here.
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