They just opened in Avon this spring and already have people talking about the unique product.
With a name like Piada Italian Street Food, you might be thinking calzones and pizza. However, Piada is a welcome change from your typical Italian restaurant.
For starters, the menu offers items Regional Manager Joel Mayo said you can’t find anywhere else.
“Our most unique food on the menu is the piada. It resembles a flour tortilla with more flavor,” Mayo said.
Piadas are stuffed with ingredients to your liking, ranging from spicy diavolo sauce, romaine, mozzarella, sweet peppers and spicy ranch to penne pasta, house-made marinara, mozzarella, basil aioli and creamy Parmesan with grilled, crispy or fried chicken.
Throw in some bacon or steak, or go with the veggie piada filled with arugula, hummus, cucumber salad, pickled red onions, bruschetta tomatoes, feta and basil aioli.
The Piada Italian Street Food concept began in 2010 with a trip to Italy.
“Our owner and founder, Chris Doody, was inspired by a trip to Rimini, Italy. The street vendors served piada,” Mayo said. “The roadside food trucks and corner markets served centuries-old family recipes with fresh ingredients.”
The entire atmosphere was welcoming, with strong aromas of Italian seasoning, friendly faces and cobblestone streets. Most importantly, Doody found it delicious and knew there weren’t many similar options in the U.S.
In order to recreate the experience, he set to work on ways to offer great food with connection, and today, there are around 65 locations across the U.S.
It was important to Doody that the food was just as delicious but with that street food convenience.
“It’s a fast, casual concept with an open kitchen. Guests can interact with our team and their chef while they are preparing your food. It’s all made to order, and you select what you want in your piada or pasta,” Mayo said.
Customers can walk down the kitchen line, picking their favorite protein and veggies for a custom wrap or go with one of the many pre-built recipes created with the best flavor combinations in mind.
In addition to the piadas, they also offer a variety of salads, including the Lemon Kale Caesar and the Avocado Chop, and pasta options from Alfredo to marinara.
Grab a piada, a pasta bowl or a salad, and don’t forget to add what they call street sides: sweet corn salad, meatballs, cannoli chips and cookies, among others.
“Our newest side item is the Piada Pocket. It’s one of our thin piada doughs filled with a combination of fresh ingredients. It’s a smaller, grab-and-go offering,” Mayo said.
Most of all, they pride themselves on the relationships they form with each customer that walks through the door.
“I think the highlight to the experience is our hospitality and the involvement you get with our team members and chefs. It’s great food, fast. You get a high-quality meal prepared to your specifications in a timely manner,” Mayo said.
Visit mypiada.com/menu/avon or stop by the new Avon location at 8930 U.S. Highway 36.
