Viva Maria is slated to reopen in a new location, formerly the Armory, in Ada. (Photo courtesy of Viva Maria)
Almost three years ago, the Italian restaurant known as Viva Maria closed down in Ada. Having a location between the Dollar General and Community Market, the restaurant did not have enough room to accommodate the amount of consumers that it attracted.
Viva Maria, once the Ada shop closed down, relocated to the Lima Mall, hopeful for more business. It was able to draw in more customers for a short period of time, but ultimately, the business was not enough. On October 13 of last year, Viva Maria posted on its Facebook page about the closing of the Lima location: “It is with regret that I inform you all that today will be our last day of business here at the Lima Mall. Those of you that frequent the mall can probably attest to the fact that there really isn’t a strong enough traffic and amount of business to facilitate further operation here. The business is just not strong enough here to continue supporting the extremely high rent.”
After a few months of the closing of the Lima location, the owner, Dominic Fricano, decided that the restaurant would try once again in Ada. This time, however, the location of the restaurant will be in a larger place: the Armory. The Viva Maria Facebook page states “one of the biggest problems we used to have was the building and the size of it but now we are going to be able to seat a lot of people.” Instead of only able to cater to a small group of people at a time, the restaurant will be able to seat over 100 customers at once.
The menu has not changed from its tasty selections before its closing: “wings, burgers, wraps, salads, subs hot and cold, hand tossed pizza with dough made fresh daily… homemade sauce for pasta dishes and pizza… we will also have white pizza and fettucini alfredo all the time.” Viva Maria’s famous cheesesteaks will also be included, something that the restaurant is famous for. The recipes are the same; the taste of all the food will be as customers previously remember it. Options for vegetarians, too, are offered at the restaurant. Alcohol will be served to appeal to the older customers, but not for at least another six months. Once the permit is obtained, Viva Maria will be serving beer and wine.
The space in the Armory will have much more room for the customers and different activities than the previous location. The Armory will be able to hold “seating for over 100 people… live entertainment and set up for large groups at any time.” In addition to this room there will be two party rooms for larger groups and special occasions, such as birthday parties or family gatherings.
Some things are new: Viva Maria will be able to include a breakfast brunch on the menu. The times are currently unavailable for when the brunch will be served. The restaurant will also possibly host a pizza and pasta buffet for customers who want more than just the regular sized portions.
When Viva Maria will open at this new location is still uncertain. The owner hopes to have the new location opened within two or three weeks. The opening of the restaurant is worth the wait: with the same recipes, the same food, but with more room for its customers, the new location will surely be a success in Ada.
For more information about the restaurant, be sure to visit (and like!) the Viva Maria restaurant page on Facebook.