D-Biz: Andiamo's downtown riverfront location tops chain

Ed.'s note: This is the first in a recurring series in which Model D will take a look at noteworthy Detroit businesses that have found success or are particularly important to the city's neighborhoods. Have a favorite city business? Send a note to writer Kelli B. Kavanaugh.

The Andiamo restaurant in the GM Renaissance Center is the top performer in the 11-strong local chain of Italian restaurants, says owner Joe Licari.

Back in December 2004, the Detroit Riverfront location began serving food just off the WinterGarden in the Ren Cen. The company hoped for the best, but was not altogether confident about doing business in the city. "We were a little apprehensive," says owner Joe Vicari. "We thought that we would do a nice lunch business, but we were pleasantly surprised at the weekend and night business."

The store is exceeding expectations to the point that it has passed up suburban powerhouses like Bloomfield Hills and Dearborn. Vicari has several theories as to why this is so:

• The RiverWalk: "GM has done a great job promoting the RiverWalk and bringing people downtown," he says. "People get exposed not only to our restaurant, but to the Ren Cen and all of downtown."
• Word of mouth: "We have beautiful views and we try to do a fine job with food and service," he says.
  
• The Marriott: "The hotel has been busier on weekends, mostly 90% social," says Vicari.
  

The restaurant employs 70, with more than half that number hailing from within the city limits. It spans 15,000 square feet and can seat 240 patrons with banquet space for 80. Andiamo can serve up to 5,000 guests per week.

Source: Joe Vicari, Andiamo
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh