A restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine will have a new home next month.
Abbiocco — which opened along Northern Boulevard in South Abington Twp. a decade ago — will relocate to the former spot of Voodoo Brewing on South Washington Avenue in Scranton, Owner Andrea Araujo said Thursday.
With the final day of operations in the Abingtons slated for Oct. 31, Araujo stressed that community will always hold a place in her heart.
However, as the business grows, the need for space became apparent to fulfill all the requests for events like bridal and baby showers, she said.
“There are a lot of people who want us to be part of their special day and I really hated turning them away,” Araujo said. “We just need a bigger area. Ultimately, it was just finding a space that fit what Abbiocco is and could then mold what we want Abbiocco to be.”
Andrea Araujo set a target date of Nov. 11 — the birth date of her late grandmother Otilia Araujo — to open in Scranton.
“She passed away when I was really young, but I definitely get my love of cooking from her so I think that would be a great birthday gift for her,” she said.
Abbiocco, a restaurant in South Abington Twp., plans to move into Voodoo Brewing in Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
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Abbiocco, a restaurant in South Abington Twp., plans to move into Voodoo Brewing in Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
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Araujo believes she shares a similar mindset with Abbiocco’s original owner — Rose Brutico Fazio — regarding the importance of providing a memorable dining experience.
“We both came from food being a love language for us, and doing it for the community,” she said. “Hearing how many people want us to be a part of their first date or their family’s birthday has always been something special. That’s a big factor in us moving, too. We want to be a part of more of those special occasions for people.”
While Araujo took over ownership of Abbiocco about two years ago, she worked closely with Brutico Fazio for many years and developed an appreciation and love for the customers.
“Clarks Summit is like no other area,” she said. “Everyone kind of knows everyone and helps each other out. It’s a very tight-knit community. We’ve done a lot of projects with other organizations within the area and I hope to continue those things even though we are moving.”
Tripling the dining room capacity from around 50 to 150 will open up new opportunities, Araujo said.
“I cook, I’m on the line every night, so to have a space where we’re able to organize things a little bit and have more room in the kitchen to do more things is something I’m really excited about,” she said. “Our food is already elevated, but I’m really excited to take that to the next level.”
The restaurant will remain focused on Italian favorites like gnocchi and chicken parmesan, but Araujo hopes to expand the menu for events.
“I would love a portion of our catering menu to be dedicated to different types of cuts of meats and some Spanish fusion cuisine,” she said. “I’m Cuban, so I’m excited to incorporate my heritage into our catering and events.”
Araujo — who grew up in New Jersey — looks forward to being part of a community similar to her childhood environment.
“I love the county life but Scranton always kind of reminds me of home,” she said. “I’m really excited to be able to now consider that my second home because I pretty much live, sleep, eat, and breathe this restaurant.”
Dining and Cooking