re-hired many of the staff she employed when she first owned the business several years ago.

Half of the eight-strong workforce at the restaurant used to work for Mrs.

Compagnon before she sold the Blue Moon in 1986.

"I'm trying to get things back to what they were when I was first here,'' said Mrs. Compagnon, 54.

"I want all my old customers back, many of whom have drifted away. I'm confident the restaurant will be a success.'' Mrs. Ricca previously ran the business for 13 years before she sold up and went to work for Trimingham's.

She sold it in 1986 to private detective Mr. William Black for a sum thought to be in the region of $115,000.

Mr. Black sold it two years later to Mrs. Kathy D'Estelle Roe and Mrs. Lesley Hoskins for $265,000.

Mrs. Ricca bought it back from the two ladies this year for just $60,000.

The Blue Moon, which is located at the Bermudiana Arcade, off Queen Street, Hamilton, is open from 6.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

The restaurant, which specialises in breakfasts, can hold 100 people.