Oscar Moreno had a successful career as a business development manager with a large food sales group. But he wanted more time with his family.
So, he and his wife, Lei, decided to open a restaurant, and 18 months ago, they opened Aroma’s Italian Grill, which might seem like an even more time-consuming occupation.
“This is something we can do together as a family,” Moreno said.
Having their own business means he isn’t traveling, he said Lei ushered their two young daughters to a back table where they happily pulled out school supplies and a few toys.
Between the two of them, they have six children, Lei Moreno said. One of his sons works in the restaurant with them. Their daughters, Penny, 8, and Cali, 6, are home-schooled.
Aroma’s is located at 1452 Walton Way and Old Bailie Street in the heart of the Augusta medical district.
Moreno said about 40% of their business comes from the medical community. And in just 18 months, the business has been successful enough that they are already considering expanding.
He attributes the success to the products he sources for the restaurant. That’s where his business development and sales experience working with restaurants comes in, he said. He knows what works.
Consistency with the products is vital to success, Moreno said. Eighty percent of the vegetables used are locally grown. The pasta they use is from Italy. Everything is fresh, and they get deliveries every day.
The customers agree.
Cheryl Butler and Kendra Green, both local retirees who love to eat out and make sure to try every new restaurant, were enjoying their first lunch at Aroma’s on Friday. They both rated this as one of the best and said the pepperoni and sausage pizza and the lobster bisque were “amazing.”
And they both said they would be returning.
For this visit, the Philly Steak sandwich with a side salad was ordered.
The sandwich was loaded with grilled steak slices, the provolone cheese was fresh and freshly cut, the grilled vegetables were delicious, and the bread was soft and fresh. It was enough food that half came home for dinner. The side salad was fresh and crunchy.
The building space was a restaurant before Moreno took over, but it had to be gutted before he could open his restaurant. Again, his previous career helped him build the kitchen and dining room he wanted.
The dining room is comfortable, but not fancy. Customers order at the counter, and the food is brought to the table. They have takeout service.
The menu includes pizza and pasta dishes, a wide assortment of appetizers, subs, calzones, stromboli, salads, soups, desserts, and more. There’s also a kids’ menu.
Aroma’s opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 8:15 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it closes at 7:45 p.m. Order online at order.toasttab.com/online/aromasitaliangrill.
Jennifer Miller covers food and business for The Augusta Chronicle. She can be reached at jmiller@gannett.com.
Dining and Cooking