312 Kresson Road has been a French restaurant, a farm-to-fork restaurant, an American bistro, and finally, an Italian restaurant.
Amici Restaurant has relocated from its previous address, just down the street, to open in a newly renovated space in which La Campagne, The Farmhouse, and most recently Demin American Bistro had formerly occupied. The upscale restaurant with white tablecloths serving classic and innovative Italian cuisine is now open for business.
Owner and Executive Chef Alex Daku’s original location for Amici Restaurant opened in October 2012 and developed a loyal customer following. Now nearly nine years later, he’s moved into a new spot that has been in the works for almost two years because it needed a lot of work due to structurally related safety issues.
It was a lot more than he was expecting when he decided to move his restaurant there. At one point, he thought he might need to knock the building down and start from scratch. Luckily, with help from Cherry Hill area architect David Brand, he didn’t need to take such drastic measures.
Fortunately, all it took to preserve the building was knocking out a few walls and adding a few columns for structural support to keep the building up to code and ensure safety. Surely, that cost a pretty penny alone, but necessary.
Then he brought in Marlton-based interior designer Monica Glebocki to reimagine and transform the interior with a tastefully modern update. Neutral stone mosaic panels and natural wood trim on the walls and ceiling added texture for a contemporary Italian farmhouse vibe. Noise dampening measures were taken by laying carpeting over the hardwood floors. New lighting fixtures and sconces, as well as fresh coats of paint, help brighten up the rooms. New artwork adorns the walls. The stunning new restaurant looks nothing like its predecessors.
Major landscaping work outdoors was also completed with new stonework, trees and shrubs, greenery, flowers, and a water feature is coming soon.
Initially, the menu will remain the same, with some minor changes and touch-ups to come. The restaurant will remain a BYOB.
The original location at 306 Kresson Road, which is now called Bella Festa Private Events by Amici, will host private celebrations such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, luncheons, fundraisers, and other social events for up to 100.
I am looking forward to checking it out soon. Let me know when you do!
Marilyn is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of South Jersey. You can find more of her writing on Philly Grub and NewsBreak.