By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Italian Cafe brings a taste of Italy to Hays. It offers a welcoming atmosphere and fresh, authentic Italian cuisine.
The cafe, 700 Vine St., opened on Jan. 2 and is owned by Nick Gjocaj, an Albanian native who manages multiple restaurants across several states with support from others.
"The main thing is family. The kitchen is always run by a family member," he said.
Gjocaj said that despite having no Italian background, he learned to cook from his uncle in New York, who worked for Italians. In 1990, his uncle moved to Texas and started his own businesses, inspiring Gjocaj to follow in his footsteps.
Gjocaj embraced Italian cuisine and restaurant management, opening his first restaurant in Texas in 2008. Since then, he has opened additional locations in Texas, Mississippi and now Kansas.
"I didn't even know where Hays was," he said. "It's a small town, smaller than I'm used to, but it's quiet for sure. I like it so far."
Gjocaj's cafe offers linguini white clam sauce, chicken fettuccine alfredo, eggplant parmesan, Cajun seafood, various salads and a kids' menu.
Gjocaj recommends his signature pink sauce, which pairs perfectly with lobster ravioli, shrimp tortellini and several chicken options.
"Everything is fresh and from scratch. We have no processed food whatsoever," he said. "I have the best lasagna in Kansas. I can guarantee you that."
Gjocaj relocated to Hays about two months ago and was introduced to the restaurant building, formerly Al's Kitchen, by his cousin.
Gjocaj and his cousin work in the kitchen and, supported by additional staff, take on other roles as needed.
This approach is consistent with his other establishment, where he relies on family members such as cousins, uncles and nephews to serve the best Italy has to offer.
"It takes a while until I find someone to run it, but that's how I maintain is with family. Most of the restaurants I own have someone from my family in the kitchen," Gjocaj said.
After Gjocaj took over, the building underwent interior renovations. He transformed the space into a sit-down restaurant by adding walls to separate the kitchen from the dining area and creating a dedicated waitress section.
Gjocaj said his dream has always been to be a community-focused business rather than growing into a large-scale operation.
In the short time since the Italian cafe opened, it has already begun building relationships with Hays families who can not get enough of Gjocaj's cooking.
"That means a lot to me because those families know me by name," he said. "I never dreamed of being one of the big guys. I always wanted to be the small business owner where everybody feels comfortable and at home."
The Italian Cafe is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
You can follow the Italian Cafe on Facebook.