What's ahead for Ripieno's in Salisbury? Find out here

Construction is underway on Ripieno's Ristorante Italiano, coming soon to Salisbury, Maryland.

The authentic Italian restaurant, a spinoff from Ripieno's Italian Bistro on 32nd Street in Ocean City, Md., is aiming for a potential grand opening date of Jan. 1, 2025. Owner Kirby DiSeveria said his new restaurant and bar has been a long time coming.

DiSeveria and his father, Michael, purchased the land near Panera Bread and Aldi in north Salisbury prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, which was detrimental to many small businesses across the United States, threw a wrench in their plans.

"The restaurant actually would've been built probably two or three years ago. But, COVID slowed down our construction," he said.

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Now, DiSeveria hopes to have construction completed by November or December 2024.

The full concept Italian restaurant is being designed to offer an elevated dining experience. It will feature a full-service dining area and bar with 200-plus indoor and outdoor seats, as well as a chef's table, Sicilian room, wine room and private rooms.

Ripieno's Ristorante Italiano will be located on the waterfront of Leonard's Mill Pond. DiSeveria said, if permitted, he plans to build a bigger dock that extends into the pond and offer tranquil gondola rides to patrons.

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"There's a lot of different aspects of Italy that we can put a little twist on and bring to the states, and give people something to experience that they may not have had a chance to do yet," he said.

In addition to its original Ocean City location, Ripieno's also operates a gelato shop, Bella's Italian Bistro, at 1203 Mount Hermon Road in Salisbury. Bella's offers fresh, homemade gelato and an array of authentic Italian desserts, all of which is outsourced to Ripieno's Italian Bistro.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com .

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: What's ahead for Ripieno's in Salisbury? Find out here