Mirko Pasta Expands

A group of about 40 gathered to celebrate the expansion of in Watkinsville on March 15 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The location has been open for 4 years, and under the ownership of brothers David and Mark Weeks for the past two.

"Customers had been asking us about an expansion," Mark Weeks said. "Business called for it."

The entire restaurant has been repainted and all the tables and chairs are new, he said.

Fifty-five seats have been added, and now there are over 100, Weeks said.  There is also a new, large booth that can accommodate up to 20 people for a private party.

Seating has been added outdoors as well, he said.

Weeks said the hardest part was moving the wine rack, which took about 6 hours to redisplay in the far left corner of the eatery.

The brothers said a lot people worry about the difficulties associated with running a business and dread the long hours, but not them.

"We're just inviting our friends to have lunch and dinner with each other," David Weeks said. "We're 100 percent committed to interaction with our customers."

"We are passionate about offering great food and great service on a daily basis," Mark Weeks added.

The brothers also own two Mirko Pasta chains in Athens; one on Baxter Street and another on Gaines School Road.

All three locations participate in Free Pasta Mondays -- choose a long or short pasta for free when sauce and soda is purchased.