Serafino’s Italian Bistro has been pleasing customers’ palates throughout metro Atlanta for over 30 years, first in Morrow for 15 years and then in Stockbridge for the last 17 years. Gad Woodall has owned the restaurant since April 2017 and recently underwent a massive expansion and renovation.

“We’ve gone from 1,200 square feet to 2,400 square feet,” said Woodall. “The major addition was back behind the building where we have our walk-in cooler, our freezer, and dry storage. That really gave us a lot more usable space within the footprint.”

Inside, the décor has been fully renovated, and Woodall’s wife, Lynn, is decorating the interior to give Serafino the feel of a traditional Italian restaurant.

“We completely renovated, floor to ceiling, wall to wall, front to back,” said Woodall. Everything is new, the kitchen and bathrooms. Nothing here was in the old restaurant. It’s a new experience.”

While the look may be new, customers can expect the same great food and service they always have. Among the more popular dishes at Serafino’s are the Fettucine Alfredo, the Tour of Italy – which features Fettucine Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, and Lasagna – and the Salmon Felicia, which is salmon stuffed with spinach, shrimp, crab, scallop, and cheese, served with angel hair pasta and mixed vegetables.

Woodall had been in the hospitality business prior to owning Serafino’s. He operated Atlanta Beach Sports and Entertainment Park, which served as the volleyball venue during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He was a regular guest at Serafino’s, and when he heard the restaurant may close back in 2017, he made an offer and became the owner.

“We ate there about once a week and knew the owner,” said Woodall. “When a sale didn’t go through, I couldn’t let Serafino’s get shut down. The business had been built for almost 25 years at that point.”

Woodall and his team have learned much since 2017, especially as they weathered the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Things have come back some, but we’re still trying to grow the catering side of the business to what it was prior to the pandemic,” said Woodall. “We can do almost any size of event, whether it is lunch for an office or a catered event.”

Serafino’s keeps refining things as well. The restaurant now has a full bar, and an outdoor patio that can seat up to 32 people that may open soon.

“We have an incredible selection of wines, one I think stacks up against almost any restaurant in Atlanta,” said Woodall. “Ultimately, we want people to come in, have a meal, and realize they can have an elevated dining experience without driving to Atlanta and back. You can have a great night in the town close to home.”

Serafino’s Italian Bistro is located at 909 Eagle’s Landing Parkway, Suite 120. Visit serafinositalianrestaurant.com or call 770-961-4410 for more information.

By Mike Boylan