Terranova’s Italian Restaurant will soon find a second home next to U.G. White Mercantile on the Square in Athens. Owner Dan Oliver said it’s a decision that has been a long time in the making.

“I’ve had so many people talk to me about opening in Athens,” Oliver said. “I guess that’s what led me to look into it.”

The restaurant features classic Italian fare alongside unique versions of old favorites and even gluten-free items. Oliver said the Athens menu will differ slightly from the restaurant’s Huntsville location, making it that much more unique.

There may also be the option of delivery through GrubSouth later down the road, he said.

“We’re a simple people, but I think the Athens location will be a big hit,” Oliver said.

He and his wife are familiar with the Athens area, having each graduated from Athens State University. They also have a place in Limestone County they occasionally use to escape day-to-day life.

“We got some property out here that we bought a couple years ago and just fell in love with the area,” Oliver said. “We just really liked the area and liked downtown.”

However, he said it was really “a God thing” that led him to choose Athens as a second location and, more specifically, the place LuVici’s called home for 10 years. Oliver said he was introduced to LuVici’s owner Jerry Sandlin through one of the food vendors for Terranova’s.

“He introduced me to Jerry at LuVici’s in August and the timing just wasn’t right,” Oliver said. “Then in January, I contacted him again and we got to talking.”

Within weeks, he said, the ball was rolling.

He recently met with Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and other city officials to discuss what was needed before opening.

“You want to open as soon as possible, but if I can open before May I’ll be really happy,” Oliver said, adding that May is one of the busiest months for the restaurant.

Those interested in working at Terranova’s can pick up an application at the Huntsville location, 1420 Paramount Drive, Suite 1.