A Serendipitous Opportunity
The story of Stretch Family Restaurant’s revival begins with a chance discovery. The current owner, Shpendi Alimi, had a long-standing connection with the location from his childhood visits to Wassa and later, as a frequent diner during trips to Bucks games. Despite his deep roots in the restaurant industry, Shpendi was initially reluctant to take on a new project. However, a call from a friend in real estate changed everything. The property, once a beloved but rundown establishment, was now available.
The Decision to Dive In
Despite initial hesitations, the potential of the location was too good to pass up. Shpendi recalls the moment he decided to visit the site:
“It was a bit of a ‘now or never’ moment for me. I knew the place had a lot of potential and a rich history that I could bring back to life.”
The Extensive Remodel
What was anticipated as a minor update turned into a major renovation project. The remodel began on May 1st and stretched all the way to the grand reopening on November 6th. During this period, every corner of the restaurant was touched, from the flooring to the walls.
- Flooring Challenges: The original plan was to lay vinyl flooring over the old red square tiles. However, the floor unexpectedly caved in, leading to a complete overhaul.
- Wall Reconstruction: A significant structural change was the removal of a deteriorated wall, replaced with a sturdy, new partition.
- Aesthetic Enhancements: Beyond structural necessities, aesthetic changes were made to breathe new life into the space, including new booths, tables, and chairs.
Shpendi humorously reflects on the final days of the remodel:
“Even on the last day, we were still doing some stuff. It’s not perfect, but it’s gold compared to what it was.”
Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles
The renovation process involved more than just physical labor; it required navigating bureaucratic waters as well. Dealing with a board rather than a single landlord meant that every decision had to go through multiple rounds of approvals, prolonging the process.
The Opening and Early Days
The restaurant opened its doors on November 6th, and despite minimal advertising, the word of mouth and strategic location have drawn in a steady stream of customers. Shpendi’s wife has been managing their social media presence, primarily through Facebook, which has been an effective tool for reaching out to the local community.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Shpendi is planning to expand the restaurant’s visibility to travelers by investing in highway advertising, including exit signs and possibly a billboard. This effort has been met with some delays, as it took four months just to get a response from the highway advertising agency. Spendi shares his experience with a touch of frustration:
“I reached out again after four months of no response. When I finally got through, the person was surprised that it had taken so long for them to get back to me.”
Despite these challenges, Shpendi remains optimistic about the potential of highway advertising to attract more travelers to the restaurant.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Running a restaurant is no small feat, and it demands a significant amount of time and energy. Shpendi admits that the long hours have made it difficult to balance work and family life:
“It’s going good, but there’s just a little too much work in me. I don’t have time for my family, which is not ideal. Money is good, but it’s not everything. I need to find that balance again.”
In response to these challenges, Shpendi is considering hiring additional trustworthy help, particularly for the evening shifts, to alleviate some of the workload and allow him more time with his family.
Staffing Challenges and Opportunities
Like many businesses in the current economic climate, Stretch Family Restaurant faces staffing challenges, particularly in finding committed kitchen staff. Shpendi is actively looking for experienced cooks to join his team. While the front of the house is adequately staffed, thanks to a combination of family and friends, the back of the house has seen a higher turnover, with few willing to commit long-term.
A Local Favorite Reborn
Despite the hurdles, the restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. Shpendi’s story resonates with many in the community who remember the restaurant from their own childhoods and are delighted to see it thrive again under his stewardship.
Conclusion
hpendi’s journey with Stretch Family Restaurant is a testament to the resilience and passion required to breathe new life into a beloved local establishment. From overcoming extensive remodeling challenges to navigating bureaucratic hurdles, his dedication has paid off in creating a space that not only serves great food but also fosters community connections. As Shpendi looks to the future, his focus on balancing work with family life and expanding the restaurant’s reach promises to keep Stretch Family Restaurant a cherished part of Fond du Lac for years to come.
If you’re ever in the area, make sure to stop by, especially on a Friday to catch the famous pies before they run out! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that connects you to the heart of this community.
Visit Stretch Family Restaurant:
Location: 565 N Pioneer Rd, Fond du Lac, WI
Hours: Mon-Thurs 6 AM – 8 PM, Fri 6 AM – 9 PM, Sat-Sun 6 AM – 7 PM (subject to change)
Specialties: Breakfast served all day, homemade pies, and a welcoming atmosphere
Get in Touch with Kelly Northlee for All Things Fond du Lac
Facebook Page: @FondyFamousKellyNorthlee
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Website: www.KellyNorthLee.com
Contact Number: +1 920-204-9957
