Fired forklift driver emerges as the darling of the pizza-eating crowd

Luca Cicioni is enjoying learning the basics of being a waiter. Photo / Michael Craig

Fired Italian forklift driver Luca Cicioni is back earning dough — and the rookie waiter is a hit with Auckland diners.

Cicioni lasted one day in a forklift job after saying "hi darling" to his female boss.

He has accepted a job at Gina's Italian Kitchen after owner, Alessandro Fantoni, made an offer in the Herald on Sunday last weekend.

Cicioni is enjoying learning the basics — and the hospitality rookie has become a cult attraction.

"People are coming in to the restaurant and asking, 'are you him? Are you the "hi darling" guy'?" said Cicioni, pictured with Gina's staff member Veronica Fioravantie.

"I've never been a waiter so I'm learning the basics but I'm enjoying it. The public has been so nice. I had an interview last Sunday and started my first shift the following day. It's been a crazy week."

Cicioni lives close to the Symonds St eatery and says being back in employment means he and his girlfriend can continue their Kiwi working holiday.

Fantoni told the Herald on Sunday last week it was "ridiculous" Cicioni had lost his job for calling his boss "darling".