©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Augie’s Family Style Restaurant in Ballston Spa will be expanding into Saratoga Springs early next year.
Augie’s Family Style To Go will open at 223 Lake Ave. From ready-to-heat and eat meals to desserts, the new location will serve as a convenient stop and shop for those seeking fresh Italian food.
Augie’s owner, Augie Vitiello, said he was hoping to hold out a little on the announcement of the Saratoga business, but people began to talk and ask questions about it. He said for years patrons have said they would love a second location with a take-out option.
“I actually feel as though [customers] are more excited than I am, if that is possible. I know it will be a lot of hard work, but I also know how much people want an affordable and fresh option for home-cooked meals. It’s very flattering,” said Vitiello.
Vitiello said customers will be able to call in their orders. Everything they love about the Ballston Spa location will be available in Saratoga Springs. There will also be trays of favorites like eggplant parmesan.
“Chicken parmesan, salads, homemade pastas and more will be available to order. In addition to that, we will have our pastas, sauces, desserts, gelatos and other prepared foods available and ready to go. That gives people the options of picking up Augie’s at the last minute,” said Vitiello.
Vitiello said he has long contemplated branching out and felt like this was the perfect time. He said the location on the city’s east side already has an established number of loyal patrons. It has been a pizzeria and deli in the past
“Saratoga is a wonderful place to do business and the people on the east side are a bunch of wonderful people. They are my customers,” said Vitiello.
Augie’s Family Style To Go, will have a separate phone number, as well as social media outlets. Vitiello said that information will all be available before the January opening. He plans to be able to employ between six to eight people to start, with the possibility of adding to that number.
“I plan to be spending a lot of time in Saratoga, especially at the start. We are very excited about the challenge, “ said Vitiello.
Vitiello is originally from the Bronx, where he learned the secrets of old-fashioned, home-style Italian cooking from his Italian parents. He ran a successful restaurant in the New York City suburb of Larchmont, for 13 years before opening Augie’s in Ballston Spa. He credits much of his success to getting to know customers, preparing the food as if it were for family and loving what he does. He said the same time and care will go into the new location.
“I am so excited to give people this option. I really hope it is an option for homemade food that people will love,” said Vitiello.