For more than a decade, Nicole’s Italian Restaurant in Porter has thrived on providing traditional Italian food specialties and seafood pasta dishes not found at many other restaurants in East Montgomery County.
The owners opened the restaurant in a small building that — thanks to the East Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, a subsidiary of EMCID — they improved and expanded upon throughout the years.
“We have a customer following who have been with us for years and many of them since we first opened close to 15 years ago; we are keeping the tradition alive,” said George Ronchaquira, owner of Nicole’s Italian Restaurant. “Our customers encouraged us to expand the restaurant. They wanted something different and we needed to meet the increasing demand for a place where customers can have business meetings and dinners.”
Through the EMC Economic Development Corporation, Nicole’s was able to secure funding which eventually enabled them to expand the front part of the restaurant to provide more seating for customers and revamp the outside deck in the front to provide additional dining options. They also included a bar in the front portion with seating, a large television to catch a sports game, and expanded their drink options.
In addition to the restaurant, Nicole’s provides full-service catering for any type of event, whether it is a wedding or business luncheon.
According to Ronchaquira, all the sauces are homemade including the alfredo and marinara and feature other dishes that have become staples for their regular customers.
“Our chefs have been with us since the beginning,” said Ronchaquira. “We have an open kitchen, so our guests can see their dinner being prepared. We are so thankful to EMCID and the EDC for their continued support.”