‘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<\/p>\n
One of the Sault\u2019s most storied restaurants is celebrating 25 years\u00a0\u2013 and the community is invited to join in the fun this weekend.<\/p>\n
Aurora\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
For owner Victor Vernelli, running the business has been a family affair with his wife and sons, and it\u2019s a venture that\u2019s gone better than he could have hoped.<\/p>\n
\u201cI expected it to be here after 25 years, but the way it’s gone \u2013 I didn’t expect that,\u201d he told SooToday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve got to thank all the customers that have been frequenting our establishment for all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Founded by Aurora Butkovich in 1950, the restaurant was already a local institution when Vernelli took the helm in 2001.<\/p>\n
Since then, Vernelli and his family have expanded the business to two locations \u2013 Aurora\u2019s Westside and Hillside \u2013 and grown the staff from 11 employees to around 70 across both restaurants.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the family has tried to keep doing what the restaurant is well known for \u2013 pasta and pizza \u2013 which are made from scratch on site.<\/p>\n
\u201cAurora\u2019s has a big history in Sault Ste. Marie,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve maintained the product; we’ve tried to do our best. I think we’ve done a good job of it. Our regular clientele \u2013 we treat them well.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a philosophy Vernelli has carried \u2013 \u201cif it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it\u201d \u2013 and it\u2019s paid off well over the years, creating a community of people who come back time after time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s why we’re doing this party \u2013 because we have so many regulars,\u201d Vernelli said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The anniversary party goes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Aurora\u2019s Westside location at 300 Second Line W. on Sunday, May 31.<\/p>\n
There will be a variety of activities and food for customers of all ages throughout the day.<\/p>\n
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