Salerno’s Cucina Italiana has been providing authentic Italian meals to the Cedar Park community for nearly five years, and its new owner is making sure that the legacy the business has established will continue to grow and thrive.

The backstory

Katrina Loyo forged a circuitous route to being a business owner. Loyo started her career as a gerontologist, working with elderly citizens in the community and advising on care and housing options.

“I work with older folks and their families to make sure they have the highest quality of life possible,” she said. “So because of that, I became a real estate agent for [nursing] homes. And then I started working with older folks because a lot of them... invested in commercial real estate, so I had to learn about [that] to be able to help them understand and grasp a broader approach to managing their business.”

It was through her new interest in commercial real estate that she came to take ownership of Salerno’s when the previous owners sold it in November 2024. Loyo had never worked in the restaurant industry before, but she grew up with a big family that loved hosting, and she felt that prepared her well to make the transition.

What they offer

Salerno’s emphasizes authenticity and fresh ingredients for their old-style Italian cooking.

The restaurant offers a wide range of Italian classics, from staples like lasagna and chicken parmesan to more exotic dishes like Veal Saltimboca and Chicken Verona. The restaurant also offers a full bar and a wide selection of wines to pair with any meal.

Loyo said she wants the restaurant to be a meeting place for the greater community, and has tried implementing theme nights, such as Mystery Mondays, where patrons can try a mystery dish prepared by the chef. The venue also features live music once a week. Going forward, Loyo wants to go back to her gerontology roots by implementing a “No Senior Eats Alone” program, where senior residents can come in and share a meal with new friends.

“Our vision is to really portray what we call the ‘Salerno spirit,’ which is that feeling you encounter when you go to your grandma’s house, where you walk in and you know you’re welcome and you’ve come to a place that just feels good and you’re going to get a really good meal,” Loyo said.

• 1310 Cypress Creek Road Suite 120, Cedar Park
• salernocucinaitalianatx.com