Aiello’s on Wall St. welcomes Dave Black as new head chef

Aiello’s on Wall Street has welcomed back a familiar face in the Northwoods as its new kitchen manager and head chef.
Bringing a history of Italian chefing in downtown Chicago and an understanding of northern Wisconsin supper clubs, Chef Dave Black is no stranger to the area or to Italian cuisine.

He moved here in 1998 where he ran the kitchen at the Old Stag (now Sorella’s) in Clearwater Lake before opening his own venture, Nero’s Contemporary Italian Cuisine, in 2004.

In 2016, Black moved to Virginia but has now returned to “the place he loves the most” — the Northwoods.

“I used to worry I’d stayed away from my beloved Northwoods too long, but it now feels as though the timing couldn’t have been better,” Black said. “Being welcomed into such a great establishment that has achieved so much, so quickly is very gratifying. I look forward to making contributions that help to keep Aiello’s firmly on the road to remaining a great Northwoods success.”

Black has already brought some fresh new changes to Aiello’s menu, including his homemade marinara sauce that is being featured in the establishment’s lasagna and pasta bowl menu items. Also new on the menu is an authentic Chicago beef dip-style sandwich.

Owner Tina Aiello said there is more to come as Black settles in and begins truly working his magic on the menu, but the many tried-and-true customer mainstays aren’t going anywhere.

“He’s only been here for about two weeks, so we’re working closely to get him comfortable and set up in the kitchen,” she said. “I am excited to see what the future holds.”

In addition to tweaking the menu, Aiello is looking forward to being able to expand hours of operation back to six days per week in the coming months.

In the meantime, as Black learns the ropes, diners can still enjoy the large, ingredient-driven selection of hot and cold sandwiches, homemade pizzas, salads, pastas and daily specials they’ve come to expect. A revamped menu will roll out soon featuring new favorites featuring Black’s distinct cooking flair.

For the latest specials and hours of operation, follow Aiello’s on Wall Street on Facebook or Instagram.
The deli is located at 209 E. Wall St. To place an order, stop in or call 715-337-2250.