Ciao’s Italian Restaurant opened its doors to customers Thursday just months after its new owner took over the building’s lease. The restaurant at 217 S. Duff Ave., is Italian-themed with standard Italian chicken, seafood and pasta dishes and seats about 100 customers.

Owner Tony Avdiu said all the items are made from scratch and bread is baked early every day. Most entrees will cost diners about $12 or $13 per person at dinner, he said. Avdiu is also the owner of Napoli’s Italian restaurant in Fort Dodge, but wanted to open a second location in Ames because of the college student presence. He began advertising the restaurant with a banner in late February and spent most of the last month preparing Ciao’s for its opening.