It all started in 1991.  Two young guys, who worked in the restaurant business for many years, wanted to do their own thing.  Scott Panian and Roland Keh teamed up to buy a part of the Roma Restaurant on High Street in Baltimore’s Little Italy.

The restaurant had been a tiny pizza shop for many years.  The opportunity arose when the owner of the pizza shop asked Roland to consider the deal.  Afterall, this little place was directly across the street from where Roland grew up in Little Italy.

Roland and Scott worked together at another restaurant in Baltimore, and decided to take a look into this opportunity.  Scott fell in love with the old pizza shop.  A few weeks later, Scott and Roland left their jobs to begin the journey that all restaurant managers dream of, opening their own place.

On January 2, 1991, Amicci’s was born.  It was also to be called A “Very” Casual Eatery.  This was done to let everyone know of the mission, to bring terrific, home made, Italian comfort food, served in a relaxed, casual atmosphere to Little Italy.

The guys thought that Little Italy needed a deli that served terrific sandwiches, salads, muffins, and quiche.  After running tuna salad sandwiches all over downtown, and watching customers pass them by, they decided to roll out a hot, daily special.  Tortellini Alfredo with Peas and Prosciutto Ham was the very first hot entree that Scott introduced on the chalkboards.  It was an immediate hit, and soon after that, Roland and Scott were whipping up Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and Shrimp and Scallops Fra Diavolo.  Scott and Roland were elbow to elbow cooking every day in Amicci’s tiny kitchen.  It was only possible, if they could listen to their music while cooking.  The sounds of The Pretenders, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, and B.B. King filled the air.  But now, they needed help.  Scott’s sister, Jody, was brought in to help wait on tables, and to manage the restaurant.  Roland’s wife, Kelly was brought in on weekends to help in the front of the restaurant, and has always been the biggest supporter of Roland and Scott’s dream.  A couple neighborhood girls and old friends were brought in to help become the wait staff.  Things were getting crazy, but fun and exciting!

It was quite a departure for customers to dine in Little Italy.  A new era and new generation of Little Italy had begun.

The menu was completely overhauled, and Amicci’s was now a real Italian restaurant.  They wanted their customers to get the best Italian food in Baltimore, but without having to dress up.  They didn’t want Amicci’s to be a “special occasion” place, but a place that you can go to more frequently, and not empty your pockets.

The food has always been the center of attention.  Baltimore Magazine discovered this little secret, and gave Amicci’s the cover of the magazine just 6 months after Amicci’s opened it’s doors.  That is when the popularity of Amicci’s began.  People would wait for hours in an attempt to get one of the 25 seats that originally filled the old dining room.  A cramped, uncomfortable, and tiny dining room forced Scott and Roland to look for ways to increase the size of Amicci’s.  So, little by little, Amicci’s started to take over more and more of the rented property on High St.  More dining rooms on the first and second floors made Amicci’s a lot more accessible to the customers who needed more dining space.   A second location in Canton was open from 1995 to 1998.  It was sold to allow Amicci’s in Little Italy to grow even stronger.

Over the years, new items brought greater attention to Amicci’s.  One item is the Pane’ Rotundo.  It was to become the signature appetizer for Amicci’s.  Everyone had to have this unbelievable appetizer.  Amicci’s had become the place that serves “that shrimp and bread thing!”

Gradually, many things have changed at Amicci’s.  There is a great new bar that has added to the overall comfort of the restaurant.  It was a house next door that was owned by life-long friends of Roland.  The construction of the bar was a long process, but it was well worth the hard work.  The Bar at Amicci’s has become the best neighborhood bar in Little Italy and serves the best Happy Hour in Baltimore.  Multiple HDTV’s broadcasting live major sporting events and games, and a friendly group of customers and employees make this bar one to visit frequently.   Innovative drinks, a great beer and wine selection from a fully stocked bar are just a few reasons why the Bar at Amicci’s has become the place to be.  And, the full dining room menu is offered in the bar as well.

So, now Amicci’s stands today.  Amicci’s isn’t the same little 25 seat restaurant that opened in 1991.  It is now 300 seats large and has a great bar.  Today, Scott’s sister, Penny, and Roland’s father, Rolando are permanent fixtures at Amicci’s.  The managers are long time employees that have been promoted from within.  Amicci’s has many employees that have remained a vital part of Amicci’s success.  Roland and Scott are very lucky to have the complete support of their families.  Without their love and unwavering support, none of their success would have ever been possible.

During all of these years, there has been a lot of positive change and growth.

But, many things haven’t changed.  Amicci’s is still owned by Scott and Roland.  Amicci’s is still in the original location.  Amicci’s is still serving a lot of the original menu items.  Amicci’s is still recognized by many publications as Baltimore’s Best Italian Restaurant.  Amicci’s is still a family owned and operated independent restaurant.  Amicci’s is still serving the best Italian food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.  Amicci’s is still the best bargain in Baltimore.  But most importantly…

Amicci’s is still serving the BEST CUSTOMERS IN THE WORLD!!!

EAT, DRINK AND BE “VERY” CASUAL!

Roland and Scott,

The Amicci Boys