Italian 'street food' eatery opens in The Block Northway

A national fast casual Italian food chain inspired by the street vendors found across Italy has opened in The Block Northway in Ross.

Columbus-Ohio based Piada Italian Street Foods , which has 41 restaurants in seven states, features “fresh, customized, high-quality food including sandwiches, salads and pasta-based dishes,” said Frank Licata, president and principal of LRC Realty, which owns the mall.

The restaurant is located in a 2,520-square-foot space in the mall along McKnight Road.

“Piada Italian Street Food captures a distinguished flavor with a variety of options to enhance the eating experience for guests visiting The Block,” Licata said.

Piada restaurants are run by a chef rather than a manager and feature an open kitchen design.

Entrees typically cost $7 to $9.

The restaurant's concept was developed after the owners experienced the food served by street vendors during visits to Rimini, Italy.

Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-772-6368 or tlarussa@tribweb.com.