Mentor’s newest eatery serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for those seeking a family-dining experience, as well as a slice of the American dream for its owners. Sidorela Stani and her husband, Tony, recently opened Stani’s Family Restaurant at 8900 Mentor Avenue to rave reviews.
The duo makes a terrific team: Sidorela manages the front of the house while Tony takes charge of the kitchen. It’s a labor of love and a true family affair, with their nephew Aurel helping in the kitchen and their cousin Sonora handling everything else when they’re not around.
When asked why she chose Mentor, Sidorela said, “There are a lot of restaurants in Mentor, and many of them are chains. I wanted to offer a family-style experience with food made from scratch. I also want our customers to feel like family. My goal is to make Stani’s a place to gather and make memories.”
So far, so good.
“This place has been absolutely packed since the first day. We even ran out of everything during our grand opening,” she said.
Stani’s is known for its breakfasts, as well as its pasta dishes, burgers, and wraps. When asked about her personal favorite, Sidorela exclaimed, “…the eggs Benedict, pasta selections, and the crème brûlée coffee cake—but I’m the one who made the menu, so I love everything on it!”
Stani’s isn’t their first venture. The couple also owns the Madison Family Restaurant on Hubbard Road.
“It’s a lot of work and results in many sleepless nights,” she said. “It’s definitely stressful sometimes, but seeing our customers’ happy faces means a lot.”
That hard work has paid off as they enjoy their slice of the American dream. Both emigrated from Albania and are grateful for the support they’ve received from customers and neighboring businesses alike.
“Follow your dreams and work hard because nothing is impossible,” Sidorela added. “We’re thankful to everyone for their support. I’ve been here for 8 years, and my husband has been here for 15. We’ve worked so hard since the day we arrived, building our life and future in America. We couldn’t have done it without the support we’ve received.”
We thank the Stanis for building their future in Mentor and wish them continued success.
Stani’s Family Restaurant is located at 8900 Mentor Avenue. They are open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Follow them on Facebook or call (440) 290-0332 for more information.