two brothers plan to open a new restaurant in betty’s former a1a cafe with unobstructed sea views in ormond-by-the-sea.
it was that ocean view that sold restaurateur john lulgjuraj (pronounced lose your eyes) on the location.
Reading: Bettys a1a cafe
“there’s a good story there,” mr. said lulgjuraj. “my mom actually used to work for betty a long time ago.”
Together with his brother, Tony, he plans to open his second beach bar by the sea & grill at 1900 ocean shore blvd. They own and operate a seaside beach bar & steakhouse at flagler beach.
john lulgjuraj said he visited betty’s a1a building last year after it became available.
“It’s rare to find an available property on the ocean,” he said. “I saw the property, I saw the beach, and it was as it was meant to be.”
The Lulgjuraj bought the property for $1.218 million, according to the records of the Volusia County Clerk.
John Lulgjuraj, 36, and his brother, Tony, 42, share the two locations.
His parents immigrated to the United States from Albania and went into the restaurant business. In the late 1980’s the family moved to Flagler Beach from New Smyrna Beach. Tony was born in California, John in New Smyrna Beach. both brothers played youth soccer in ormond beach.
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They also worked in the family business from a very young age.
“When you grow up in a restaurant, you learn the business from start to finish,” said John Lulgjuraj. “From waiting tables to withdrawing cash at 1 pm and from there learning to cook.”
the seaside beach bar & grill at flagler beach offers a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. There’s a familiar touch with offerings like Aunt Tracy’s spaghetti, a meatball marinara sauce, and Mom’s lasagna.
“That’s our staple,” John Lulgjuraj said of the lasagna. “That, along with the Greek salad.”
The flagler location has a flagler salad on the menu. a reporter asked if the ormond-by-the-sea venue will have an “ormond salad”.
“That’s a good question,” said John Lulgjuraj. “I have to find out what my Ormondites want. that’s the best part of oceanside. we listen to our people. as we evolve, each location will be in tune with what the people want. That’s what they’re for, good food and good people.”
john lulgjuraj is open to further expansion and possibilities, through ownership or possibly through franchising.
“When you see a place like Ormond, you almost have to,” he said.
renovations are underway at 1900 ocean shore blvd. location, including brick pavers on the exterior, new walk-in walk-in closets, and a brand new kitchen.
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“everything will be new in the restaurant by the time we’re done,” said john lulgjuraj.
The flagler beach staff is ready to help start the ormond-by-the-sea business. opening is expected in late spring or early summer.
Opening hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 9:00 p.m. m. and breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served, just like flagler beach.
“we’re going to try to replicate everything at each seaside location,” said john lulgjuraj.
breakfast options include eggs, various omelettes, corned beef hash, chicken fried steak, a breakfast burrito, and southern eggs benedict.
house specialties range from fish tacos to coconut shrimp to beer battered fish and fries.
Seafood options start with a fish of the day, shrimp and grits, and a trifecta of clams, mussels, and shrimp.
there’s a blackened chicken alfredo, grilled chicken, new york strips, and ribeye, among other options.
john lulgjuraj said he and his brother have a saying, “oceans of flavor.” oceans of fun something for everyone.”
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