28-Year-Old Entrepreneur Readies to Open Third Restaurant in Philadelphia Suburbs
Alessandro “Alex” Fiorello, a notable restaurateur in Pennsylvania’s Main Line region, is poised to expand his culinary footprint with the upcoming launch of a bar-centric concept in Bryn Mawr Village. Located at 915 Lancaster Avenue, this new establishment is positioned to elevate Fiorello’s burgeoning portfolio, which already includes a successful osteria in Wayne and a recently opened pizzeria in West Chester.
The Bryn Mawr venue previously housed the Marc Vetri-operated Fiore Rosso before it transitioned to Il Fiore, which recently shuttered last month after a brief operation. Taking advantage of the existing infrastructure, Fiorello aims to create a vibrant dining space designed to foster a lively bar atmosphere while prominently featuring Italian cuisine.
The forthcoming restaurant will occupy a strategic tier in Fiorello’s three-restaurant lineup, marking an evolution from his already established dining ventures. His flagship, Alessandro’s Wood Fired Italian, opened its doors in 2020, quickly establishing itself as an upscale casual restaurant with a thriving takeout service. The latest addition, Alessandro’s Pizzeria, debuted in April and focuses on offering a relaxed dining experience for lunch alongside its signature pizza, cheesesteaks, and salads.
Fiorello’s deep roots in the restaurant industry can be attributed to his family background; his father operated Fiorella’s Café in West Chester, and his extended family ran pizzerias in New York. Raised in Brooklyn, Fiorello garnered extensive experience in kitchens from an early age before relocating to Chester County as a teenager. His extensive background informs his culinary approach, which is reflected in the anticipated offerings of the new venue.
As for the naming of the new establishment, Fiorello has stated that options such as Enoteca Alessandro’s or Alessandro’s Enoteca are under consideration. Supported by a group of investors, he is prepared to maintain the restaurant’s industrial aesthetic while capitalizing on the location’s solid infrastructure to expedite the renovation process.
Fiorello has emphasized that the new establishment will provide a more refined experience compared to his Wayne location, intending to cultivate a vibrant bar scene that remains approachable. The menu will predominantly showcase Italian staples, featuring house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas, alongside dry-aged proteins utilizing on-site aging refrigerators. Additionally, there may be subtle Japanese influences, including select sushi-style dishes.
Media News Source reports that this venture highlights Fiorello’s commitment to enriching the dining landscape in the Main Line area, setting the stage for a dynamic interaction between culinary tradition and contemporary dining culture.
