Nico’s Little Italy, the sister restaurant of Salina-based Martinelli’s Little Italy, plans to open in Aggieville sometime in October. While the restaurant itself is new to the Manhattan area, operating partner Nicolette Unruh is a familiar face among the community. She has lived in Manhattan for the past 4 years, driving back and forth from Martinelli’s for work ever since.

“I’ve worked at Martinelli’s since 2006, so for a long time I guess,” Unruh said. “I love Manhattan, I really enjoy the Flint Hills, and I don’t really want to move, so [Nico’s] was just a good opportunity to expand our operations.” Martinelli’s catered to various Manhattan wedding venues in the past, so an idea for a local version of the restaurant has been around a while.