Mariola Italian donates nearly $2,000 to OneEighty after booming opening week

Bryce Buyakie, The Daily Record
·1 min read

WOOSTER ― After a booming first week in business, Mariola Italian celebrated its grand opening with a donation to a local nonprofit.

Wooster's newest eatery raised and donated $1,927 to OneEighty, which will use the funds to support existing programs that benefit the community.

Italian cuisine: Mariola Italian to open after 3 years in the making with fundraiser for OneEighty

Restauranteur Mike Mariola and employees give OneEighty Executive Director Bobbie Douglas a check for roughly $1,927.
Restauranteur Mike Mariola and employees give OneEighty Executive Director Bobbie Douglas a check for roughly $1,927.

For Mike Mariola, owner of the restaurant that bears his name, the donation reinforces his goal of being a community-oriented restauranteur.

"With any new business there is an opportunity for extra buzz, and we wanted to start it off by highlighting how we are part of the community," Mariola said.

That opportunity came in the form of a partnership with OneEighty, an organization that is headquartered just down the street from the Italian-American joint.

OnEighty Executive Director Bobbie Douglas said the funds are a much-welcomed contribution from the community they aim to serve.

"These contributions are very important and will help a lot," she said at the check donation.

A booming first week in business

Restauranteur Mike Mariola and employees give OneEighty Executive Director Bobbie Douglas a check for roughly $1,927. It was fundraised during Mariola Italian's first week in business.
Restauranteur Mike Mariola and employees give OneEighty Executive Director Bobbie Douglas a check for roughly $1,927. It was fundraised during Mariola Italian's first week in business.

The restaurant that opened at the end of May was filled to brimming almost every day, Mariola said. Once full, the waitlist quickly expanded.

But this was no problem for Mariola's staff, who he said managed each dinner and lunch rush with ease.

After one week, he said two menu items have proved to be bestsellers.

The Vinny is the most popular pizza with its toppings of Italian sausage, meatballs and bacon. Its counterpart on the pasta menu is the Spicy Chicken Penne, which is tossed in a spicy but creamy marinara and topped with marinated hot peppers.

Another popular option at Mariola Italian is its carryout option, which is available at mariolaitalian.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Newly opened Mariola Italian in Woster OH donates $2,000 to OneEighty