Vlora brings a unique dining experience to Main Street in downtown Waukon

Vlora, a new restaurant located on Main Street in Waukon, opened for business November 4. The proprietor, known only as "Mario," has been a cook for 29 years and took the title of "chef" nine years ago. Most recently, Mario was the chef at the Oelwein Cafe in Oelwein. Originally from Michigan, Mario has two grown daughters.
Mario says that he wanted to work for himself and was inspired by his customers, who he enjoys seeing happy. In addition to his desire to serve Waukon area residents great food, Mario says that his main reason for opening his business in Waukon was to help the town rebuild after flooding this spring. He says that seeing the joy of his customers and being able to offer jobs to families in the Waukon area have been the most rewarding aspects of starting his own business. He added that everything about getting his business started has been challenging but that "if you love what you do, that doesn't matter."
His good food, how much he cares for his customers, and the pride he takes in the food he prepares (down to the way his food smells, looks and tastes) and reasonable pricing are what Mario says make Vlora unique. Mario hopes to continue to bring joy and good food to his customers in his unique restaurant for many years to come.
Vlora is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, with breakfast served all day every day. Mario hopes that everyone will stop in to try his food and to ask about any specials.