Business & Tech
Popular Eatery Pearl is Expanding
Italian restaurant on S. Broad St. will be doubling its seating capacity
No longer will have to turn away scores of hungry customers on Friday and Saturday nights.
The owner has begun construction that will double the seating at the upscale American-Italian eatery, increasing from 22 chairs to about 45.
"On Friday and Saturday nights, I have to turn away 30, 40 people," said Viola, who helps runs the restaurant with his son, the kitchen-bred Maximillion.
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The construction is expected to last three weeks, Viola said, adding that the wall separating his restaurant and Eileen's Consignment Shop will be knocked down.
Eileen's closed a few months ago and has remained vacant. The space once full of hangers and dresses will now be used for more tables but also an espresso bar and a counter for diners.
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The decor – a deep, regal purple with black and white accents – will remain. Most importantly to diners, so will the food – fresh daily – whipped up by Chef David Anderson. With an expected influx of volume, Viola said he'll be needing another cook and one more water, a good problem to have.
"I'm very excited," Viola remarked. At least 30-40 people left hungry will be too.
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