Business Gets Creative to Work Around Heavy Security Measures

Pierre Bader owner of the upscale Italian eatery, Aria Tuscan Grill is enjoying the boost in business this week, albeit security protocols have been somewhat of a challenge for his staff and patrons.

Feeling the pressure of the increased security, the staff at Aria had to obtain a refrigerated truck to place in the loading dock since their suppliers could not drop off deliveries due to the heightened security protocols mandated by Secret Service.

Aria is located near the arena at the base of the Bank of America building and over the weekend their parking was shut down while the Secret Service performed security sweeps and canvassed the area leading up to this week's DNC event.

"Typically we do not open on Sunday's but we opened our doors this past Sunday and we were absolutely packed," said Bader.

During the week thus far, Aria has hosted private lunch parties, and Tuesday night, a Secret Service agent overlooked patrons as they dined while on assignment for the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, dined in the private closed off room.

"It's been great to see the media celebrities that we normally watch on t.v. eating here," said Bader. "The rain hampered things a little bit, but it's all good."

Bader said like most small businesses, they took a beating during the recession in 2008 and 2009, but that business has been awesome for since 2010.

Aria Tuscan Grill has been open for nearly three years at their E. Trade St. and S. College St. location. They are best known for their upscale Italian fare, but the most requested item on Aria's menu is the Suckling Pig. Known as Porchetta, the slow roasted pork is prepared in a large quantity and served in a deep bowl of Red Chile Pepper Pasta and Sausage Ragu with Fennel and Porcini Mushrooms.

From homemade Lobster Gnocci to Prosciutto Wrapped Sockeye Salmon, the menu is mouth watering and the food lived up to its expectation.

Aria seats 250, employs four chefs and a staff of 55, they are experts on pairing their extensive wine list with your meal.