Popular Gelato Eatery Has Closed

Aromi d’Italia Cafe—which opened in 1997 and offered Italian gelato—has closed, but the owner vows to return despite some legal troubles which he says are unrelated to the Annapolis store.

Boris Ghazarian, owner of Aromi d'Italia, said the reason for closing was because of "issues with the landlord," though he declined to comment further on those issues.  

Robert Kinkead, owner of Hell Point Seafood, was Ghazarian's landlord.

"The reason he's gone is because like everybody else he wasn't making money and didn't pay the rent," said Kinkead.

Ghazarian, who lives in Woodbine, MD, said he would like to return to Annapolis as soon as possible.

"We love Annapolis—I think Annapolis loves us," he said. "We are going to try to find another location in Annapolis within the next few months or the next year."

Kinkead said it was a matter of one month's rent going unpaid.

"Everybody is doing lousy," said Kinkead. "Particularly down in the boat basin—every restaurant is suffering."

Online Maryland public court records show a recently-entered judgment against Ghazarian and Aromi d’Italia for a bit over $2 million, plus interest. Bethesda-based Congressional Bank was the plaintiff, according to the records.    

"That has nothing to do with the Annapolis store," Ghazarian said. "Right now, we're trying to work with them."

Ghazarian, who owns other properties throughout the country including a gelato manufacturing plant, said the suit involved a loan on that plant.

There is also a still-active trademark infringement case, filed by an Italian company, against Aromi d’Italia Inc. for use of the name.

That suit seeks a judgment of $1.4 million plus interest.

"It's pending, but I'm hoping it's going to be closed within the next few months also," said Ghazarian, who added that the suit was the result of Aromi d'Italia no longer doing business with the Italian company.   

The cafe is the latest of several downtown businesses to close or relocate in recent months. Mayor Josh Cohen shared what his office is doing to help the downtown business community and committed his support for additional funding of the Annapolis Economic Development Corp. (AEDC).   

"The City Council and I created the Annapolis Economic Development Corp. to work aggressively to retain, expand and attract businesses," said Cohen. "The Council and I are united in our support of the AEDC and the needed funding to further our shared goals. Additionally, I have included new funding in my proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget to re-start Annapolis's Main Street Maryland program. This is an important tool to incentivize investment and expansion of commercial properties downtown. "

Michael Pachler, director of marketing and communication for AEDC, said he was unaware of any happenings with Aromi d'Italia. Last week the AEDC was also unaware that the .

Pachler said via email that the AEDC has conducted about four exit interviews with downtown businesses.

Cohen, though upset by loss of another downtown business, is optimistic.

"I am saddened by the closing of Aromi d'Italia, a popular eatery on Dock Street," said Cohen. "However, despite the sagging economy and the new competition we face from businesses outside the City limits, I remain confident in downtown's enduring appeal. By working aggressively to improve our internal permit processes and to capitalize on our strengths as an authentic destination, I hope and expect that we will enjoy a rebirth of economic activity in the near future."

In the last few weeks, several new businesses have opened too, including Jimmy John's and Wheat, a children's clothing store.

"You have to keep in mind there is just as much coming in as leaving. With the help of the EADC, the tide will turn," said Sean O’Neill president of the Annapolis Business Association.