Italian food fans can begin camping outside the restaurant at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. The first 100 customers when the doors open at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 8 will receive free Piada for a year, according to the restaurant.
Piada is the brainchild of Doody, co-founder of the high-end Bravo and Brio restaurant chains. He said the Piada restaurants are designed for “time-challenged, budget-weary, and health-conscious consumers.”
“We feel that despite their hectic lifestyles, our guests shouldn’t have to sacrifice freshness, quality and ambiance for speed or value,” Doody said.
In order to accomplish that goal, Doody created an Italian version of the customizable, Chipotle-style restaurant experience.
Guests get to choose from three entrées — the Piada, a stone-grilled, thin-crusted dough made from organic flour and extra virgin olive oil; a chopped salad; or a pasta bowl.
Once they’ve selected an entrée, diners customize their dish with a variety of grilled items ranging from steak and Italian sausage to salmon; sauces such as Pomodoro, Alfredo and pesto; and a selection of sautéed and fresh vegetables. They can also pick from salad toppings such as cheese and pancetta.
In addition to the main course, side items include Parmigiano Reggiano, pepperoni and artichoke Piada sticks with dipping sauce; Italian chips served with warm artichoke and spinach dip; calamari; and lobster bisque, tomato basil and wedding soup.
Beverages include standard Italian soda, teas, bottled water and soft drink options. But what sets Piada apart from most “fast-food” locations is the option to pair an adult beverage with your dinner. You can choose from one of several types of beer or a glass of red or white wine.
While the options seem bountiful, Doody said the entire ordering process takes just 60 seconds and the average customer check is less than $9.
The Mason location is approximately 2,800 square feet and will accommodate 52 customers inside and 34 on the patio. Approximately 40 people are on staff at the chain’s second Greater Cincinnati location. A Hyde Park location opened in September.
Piada has eight locations open in Columbus and five additional restaurants throughout Ohio, including Kettering and Beavercreek, and one in Indiana.
The Mason restaurant will be open from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
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