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Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: supplied)
Reid previously painted King Charles III in 2019, when he was still Prince of Wales.
The portrait is in an exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery from October 28 to November 2, alongside portraits of three other independent business owners.
The campaign aims to elevate the role of independent shops on Britain’s High Streets by presenting their owners in a style traditionally associated with royalty, celebrities and prominent public figures.
Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: supplied)
Mr Verrecchia’s grandfather, Pasquale, opened the University Cafe in 1918. The fifth-generation family business has since become a Glasgow institution, combining its Italian heritage with Scottish favorites and serving generations of customers.
The other business owners featured in the exhibition are a pub owner, a takeaway owner and a convenience store owner. Her portraits were created by artists Nicky Philipps, Nick Bashall and Jamie Coreth, who have also painted members of the royal family.
Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: supplied)
Each business owner will receive a copy of their portrait and a donation to a charity of their choice.
The University Cafe has welcomed a number of famous visitors over the years, including celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who once stopped in for bitter haggis.
Gino Verrecchia, owner of University Cafe, said: “University Cafe has seen a lot over the years, from celebrity visits to starring on the big screen, but being named Local Royalty by Coca-Cola is a first.
“It was a wonderful surprise to find out that I had been selected, and it was a fantastic experience.
“Seeing Gareth’s portrait come to life was fascinating and made the experience even more special.
“We’re proud to be a fifth-generation family business, but it’s really the people of Glasgow who have kept the cafe at the heart of the community for more than a century.”
Gino Verrecchia, owner of Glasgow’s University Cafe. (Image: supplied)
Gareth Reid, portrait artist, said: “I wanted to meet Gino in a casual setting where he would be comfortable, and I know the University Cafe very well.
“This is a Glasgow institution, known and loved by so many people in the city, so I wanted to make it just as much a part of the portrait as Gino.
“Gino is front and center, relaxed but in charge, showing a hint of mischief and recognizable within the walls of his iconic cafe.”
Dusan Stojankic, vice president and general manager for the UK and Ireland at Coca-Cola, said: “Independent stores, like Gino’s, are the backbone of modern Britain.
“The businessmen and women who lead them work tirelessly and are at the center of their communities.
“We are proud to have worked with them for more than 125 years, and with 97 percent of our products sold here, which are also manufactured and cleaned here, we are invested in local communities.
“This exhibition is an ode to them. Simply put, they are local royalty.”
