All roads lead to Rome, the center of the Roman Empire. Romans were leaders and innovators in architecture, engineering, elegant cuisine, and boy could they throw a party. Almost equidistant from eastern I -77 and western I-71 along SR 82 to Ridge Road, all roads again lead to Via Roma, 8922 Ridge Road, North Royalton. Some people may recognize it as the location of the old Carrie Cerino’s Italian Restaurant. That is where the similarities end, as the legendary Phoenix could not have had a more magnificent rebirth. Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante is completely redone, as an elegant and premier fine dining destination with modern interpretation of Italian cuisine.
The ownership team of Khadar Soussou, Tony DiFiore and the Rababy Family of the well-known Aviator Event Center, formerly the 100th Bomb Group, purchased the 13-Acre Carrie Cerino property from the previous owners in July 2023. The extensive renovation of every square inch of the facility began in earnest. Via Roma is now open for fine dining. Khadar Soussou explains, “Our ownership group is always looking for great opportunities in taking what we would consider local staple properties, over 30 years old, and quickly giving them an entirely new life. Carrie Cerino’s was exactly that. When we spoke with MAHA Laxmi about acquiring the property, the stars aligned, and a new venture was launched.” Soussou said, “We have always jumped head first into our projects to get them renovated quickly.” The Aviator and Event Center near CLE Hopkins airport is a very successful restaurant and does about 2,500 events a year, “Via Roma is a different concept but with the same use of a restaurant and event center expected to do near 1000 events a year.
We love to showcase these properties with great cuisine, fresh designs and streamlined event planning.” Included in Via Roma is a pair of wine areas that highlight specialty bottles, with a wine list partially prepared by Khadar’s father Joe Soussou, who runs Royal Park Fine Wine in North Royalton. The elder Soussou was Khadar’s role model. “I grew up knowing I wanted to build brands and businesses. I learned a lot from my dad on how to operate a business and how to treat guests and team members well. He is a massive part of my family and confidant anytime I need him.”
Chef David Smith oversees the food preparation and bakery. The sauces and pastas are all hand made on site. The menu features classic items with a few modern twists. The menus are truly meant to throw any diet to the wind. There are onions delicately cooked in pancetta fat, prosciutto and fig toast, meatballs served atop polenta with a garnish of fresh basil, gnocchi, Australian lamb, salmon, branzino, and Denver cut Wagyu beef. Wagyu Beef is a Japanese beef cattle breed whose meat is well marbled with fat with a high omega-3 content and exquisite flavor that truly melts in your mouth. “Our Denver cut eats like a filet but has the flavors and characteristics of a ribeye,” says Chef David. It is a flavorful morsel not to be rushed, but savored, bite by luscious bite. Even chicken is elevated to a dish extraordinaire. Chef David explains about what’s different in made-from-scratch cooking. “Every single thing has a purpose. We don’t throw anything away. We make soups and stock, and other uses. There is not a lot of waste. On Fridays and Saturdays, we make a meal for the team, the ones we work with. The menu is extensive, making decisions deliciously difficult for the diner.”
There is a lounge area downstairs that has a 1960s feel with an aqua color scheme fitting its name, The Grotto. The stage area has a new sound system that spreads out the volume so you’re never screamed at. There is a menu available for the bar area, and Via Roma is the only bar in town where you can sit at the bar without sitting on a high-top chair. It’s normal table height, and very retro and unique to this area.
Via Roma is open for dinner and lunch offerings are expected soon. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday. If you look at the menu online, you may decide not to eat for an entire week in anticipation of a bountiful brunch. Your taste buds will think they have entered heaven. Via Roma’s extensive menu and services are available online.
The real gem of Via Roma is its event and party planning. It is a streamlined one-stop source to make your event elegant and stress free. Weddings, anniversaries, corporate recognition banquets, and more are all events Via Roma’s staff can help you plan. Via Roma’s menu and event information is available online at https://viaromacle.com, Via Roma is located at 8922 Ridge Road, North Royalton. For reservations or information, call 440-672-7662. The current hours for the ristorante are Sunday through Thursday from 4 – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 – 11 p.m. with The Grotto closing two hours later. Have you missed the fun of Carrie Cerino’s New Year’s Eve Party? Via Roma will once again be presenting a beautiful New Year’s Eve Party. Expect reservations to begin on October 7.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer
