Popular Eatery Closing Its Doors After 20 Years Of Business In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — After 20 years, Joe and Mary Barbera will be retiring and shutting down their popular restaurant AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar.

Established in 2002, AIDA Bistro was named after Joe Barbera’s mother, 96-year-old Lillian Aida Barbera. She was a fixture at the restaurant, greeting guests who became like family.

“We are thrilled about our pending retirement and the chance to spend more time with our family and we are grateful to our terrific and loyal AIDA team as well as the community that has supported us so remarkably over the last two decades," Joe Barbera said. “Our small team is like family and we would not have enjoyed our success without them. Over the next several months we will be celebrating our outstanding team, our loyal guests and everyone who helped make our dream a reality.”

The Barberas have been leaders in the community and beyond as well, supporting such organizations as Blossoms of Hope, St. Louis Parish, The Table Foundation, Gilchrist Hospice, Marriotts Ridge Music Boosters, Restaurant Association of Maryland and Howard County Tourism Board.

AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar has been located in Columbia Gateway since its doors opened in 2002 and at its current location since 2010. Plans are underway to celebrate the final months of AIDA Bistro and recognize their customers, staff and support of the community.