Work has started on refurbishing a former Italian-American themed restaurant into a contemporary coffee-shop.

Irvine's own GRO Coffee is taking on the former Frankie and Benny's premises at Whitletts Roundabout in Ayr, with the move announced in September.

The team shared a video showing the progress which involves removing all of the chain restaurant's floor, bar and iconic seating.

But true to his ethos of sustainability, owner Gordon Rennie did not want to see the furniture left inside the restaurant go to waste.

So he was glad to be able to find an interested buyer for the cushioned booths.

He said: "We didn't want to waste them and it would have cost £5,000 to get rid of it. We had a lot of offers for man caves, wee hidey holes in sheds."

READ MORE: Irvine cafe giving away hot drinks for FREE for good causes during lockdown

Luckily, they found a buyer in Glasgow who took the lot, meaning the work of refurbishing the Frankie and Benny's into the second GRO Coffee could begin.

Gordon said: "It's full pelt ahead. We're aiming to at least be able to operate from the end of January.

"Dependant on restrictions."

READ MORE: Irvine coffee shop GRO expanding in to Ayr and Glasgow

New wide windows and furniture have been ordered, with a decision still being mulled over what to do with the 'horrible' ceiling.

The Highfield Drive location will be transformed to welcome coffee-lovers with the stylish surroundings those in Irvine are used to.