A new Italian-American restaurant serving pizza, wine and more is coming to Ann Arbor.
Alo’s Restaurant is planned for 221 W Liberty Street.
According to the restaurant website, Alo’s will be a “sophisticated, exciting, casual, and family-friendly restaurant focused on world-class pizza, accessible wines, and simple, thoughtfully-sourced, delicious entrees all served in a warm modern setting with friendly midwest service.” In addition to pizza, the menu could include housemade mozzarella sticks, fresh pasta, desserts and more.
The team behind the concept includes Max Sussman as executive chef, Amanda Smeltz as wine director, Kate McCabe as director of sustainability and special projects, and Eli Sussman as partner.
The new restaurant isn’t the team’s first rodeo. The Sussmans founded Samesa, a now-closed Middle-Eastern inspired fast-casual restaurant and catering company in New York. In addition to working with acclaimed restaurants in Michigan (Zingerman’s Deli, eve) and New York (gertrude’s, Roberta’s), the James Beard-nominated chefs have written several cookbooks.
According to liquor license application documents for Alo’s, plans for the freestanding, single-story building include renovating part of the parking lot into outdoor dining space while maintaining the unique character of the building, including the red tile roof and stucco exterior. The building was formerly occupied by a restaurant called Aroma Indian Cuisine.
The restaurant is expected to be open seven days a week from 12 to 10 p.m., according to the documents. In addition to wine, the beverage program will include beer, mixed drinks and non-alcoholic drinks. There could be interior seating for 46 people and exterior seating for 32.
Alo’s Restaurant is expected to open in 2025. They have launched an initiative called Alo’s Angels to collect funds for the project. Options include a custom cocktail, a tasting menu for four, a private dining room feast and more.
Follow on Instagram @alosannarbor for updates.
