Avanti’s marked the beginning of a new chapter Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its new ownership and continued presence in the Erie community.
The event took place June 4 at the restaurant’s West 8th Street location, where new owner Jasmine Almeida officially welcomed guests and community members. The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership hosted the ceremony, which included remarks from Almeida and an official ribbon cutting.
To celebrate the occasion, customers who visited during the opening weekend were offered a free pancake with all breakfast orders—a nod to the restaurant’s longtime reputation for classic breakfast fare.
Avanti’s has been a staple in Erie since 1975, known for serving traditional breakfast and lunch. Under Almeida’s leadership, the restaurant was set to maintain its familiar menu while introducing a handful of thoughtful updates. Those included the use of real maple syrup and the addition of kid-friendly games to enhance the dining experience.
Almeida expressed her appreciation for the restaurant’s longstanding role in the community and her plans for its future.
“Avanti’s has been an Erie institution for decades, and I’m honored to carry that legacy forward,” Almeida said. “With a business degree in marketing and social media know-how, I’m confident in the vision we’re building. I’m looking forward to the collaborations and cross-promotional opportunities that keep us rooted in the community we serve.”
Looking ahead, Almeida shared plans for continued improvements, including the addition of outdoor seating, expanded vegan menu options, and the hosting of special events.
In addition to food service, Avanti’s was also set to serve as a distribution point for Erie Seniors Magazine, a publication founded by Almeida. The partnership aimed to strengthen the restaurant’s connection to Erie’s active senior community.
The ribbon cutting event featured several activities for attendees, including live balloon twisting—featuring creations shaped like eggs—and a live painting of the restaurant’s updated exterior by Erie artist Rachel Berlin.
With new ownership in place, Avanti’s entered its next chapter while continuing to build on a decades-long tradition in the Erie dining scene.
To find more information on Avanti’s, visit their Facebook here.