WORCESTER, Mass., March 2007 – Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, co-owners of VIA, the new “Italian comfort food” restaurant scheduled to open in late March at 89 Shrewsbury St., today announced that Roberto R. Dias of Malden has been named Executive Chef.

Dias, who has many years of experience at some of Boston’s top restaurants, has been a chef at The Sole Proprietor, 118 Highland St., for the past three years.

“Roberto’s experience at The Sole and in Boston have prepared him well for this new opportunity,” said Madeleine Ahlquist. “His focus on starting with the best, freshest ingredients fits well with our philosophy for VIA and his experience with a broad range of Italian dishes also make him the ideal choice.”

Before joining The Sole, Dias served as a chef at Maruccio’s in Boston’s North End for seven years. He began his career at Locke-Ober in Boston after moving to the U.S. from Brazil at age 20. He has also applied his culinary skills at The Exchange, Franklin Street Il Panino, the ArtZone and the Blue Diner, all in Boston.

“I have learned so much from working with renowned chefs such as Jim Navaraja when I was at Locke-Ober and Chuck Draghi, who was the head chef at Maruccio’s,” Dias said. “They were my mentors and taught me the importance of starting from scratch, always using fresh ingredients, using one’s imagination. These are an important part of my approach to cooking.”

VIA will offer Italian comfort food in a festive setting, using ingredients imported from Italy and authentic Italian recipes.