Joe and Mary Barbera, owners of AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar, of Columbia, and 2022 Maryland Restauranteurs of the Year, announced they are retiring and will be closing the restaurant at the end of January.
AIDA has been located in Columbia Gateway since its doors opened in 2002 and in its current location since 2010. It was named after Joe Barbera’s mother, 96-year-old Lillian Aida Barbera. Over many years, she greeted guests and was present showing her enthusiastic brand of hospitality.
The Barberas have always been civically-minded and support a number of local nonprofit organizations including Blossoms of Hope, St. Louis Parish, The Table Foundation, Gilchrist Hospice, Marriotts Ridge Music Boosters, Restaurant Association of Maryland and the Howard County Tourism Board.
The property owner and landlord, Corporate Office Properties Trust is currently showing the space to prospective restaurant tenants who may be able to take over the location in early 2023.