Triangle to get new Italian chain

Restaurateur David Reynolds has signed on to bring a new Italian restaurant chain to Raleigh and Chapel Hill.

Reynolds, who is best known for his involvement in the Second Empire restaurant in downtown Raleigh, said that the Piola chain is known for its authentic recipes and simple, organic ingredients. The company has locations in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Turkey. There are also half a dozen U.S. locations.

"It's real simple food," Reynolds said. "I tell people it's as healthy as pizza can be."

The first of the two Triangle restaurants is under construction in the new North Hills East center in Raleigh. It should open in February or March. The second will follow about a month later in Chapel Hill's 54 East shopping center.

Reynolds has signed an area development agreement that covers both North and South Carolina. If the first two Piola restaurants are successful, there will likely be others later.

Staff writer Sue Stock