‘We just put our heart and soul into it, between myself, my wife, and my family, and let’s not forget the great employees that we have here,’ said Victor Vernelli

One of the Sault’s most storied restaurants is celebrating 25 years – and the community is invited to join in the fun this weekend.

Aurora’s Restaurant will thank its customers with a bouncy castle, live music, face painting, an outdoor dining tent and more as the popular Italian eatery marks the milestone on Sunday, May 31.

For owner Victor Vernelli, running the business has been a family affair with his wife and sons, and it’s a venture that’s gone better than he could have hoped.

“I expected it to be here after 25 years, but the way it’s gone – I didn’t expect that,” he told SooToday.

“I’ve got to thank all the customers that have been frequenting our establishment for all these years.”

Founded by Aurora Butkovich in 1950, the restaurant was already a local institution when Vernelli took the helm in 2001.

Since then, Vernelli and his family have expanded the business to two locations – Aurora’s Westside and Hillside – and grown the staff from 11 employees to around 70 across both restaurants.

Over the years, the family has tried to keep doing what the restaurant is well known for – pasta and pizza – which are made from scratch on site.

“Aurora’s has a big history in Sault Ste. Marie,” he said.

“We’ve maintained the product; we’ve tried to do our best. I think we’ve done a good job of it. Our regular clientele – we treat them well.”

It’s a philosophy Vernelli has carried – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – and it’s paid off well over the years, creating a community of people who come back time after time.

“That’s why we’re doing this party – because we have so many regulars,” Vernelli said.

“We just put our heart and soul into it, between myself, my wife, and my family, and let’s not forget the great employees that we have here.”

The anniversary party goes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Aurora’s Westside location at 300 Second Line W. on Sunday, May 31.

There will be a variety of activities and food for customers of all ages throughout the day.