For decades, Avanti’s has been a familiar gathering place for Erie residents looking for breakfast, lunch, and conversation.
Among the regulars are William Dunbar, his college roommate Richard Wood, and a group of longtime friends who gather at the same booth each day.
“This is what we call the luxury box,” Dunbar said.
For the group, the restaurant’s appeal goes beyond the food.
“It’s about the place, it’s about the food, it’s about the servers,” Wood said.
The restaurant, located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and West 8th Street, first opened in 1975 and has become a neighborhood institution. This spring, however, Avanti’s entered a new chapter when Jasmine Almeida purchased the business.
“I kind of noticed the for-sale sign. I was driving by with my kids and was like, ‘Imagine if I bought Avanti’s,'” Almeida said.
The mother of three is no stranger to business ownership. She also owns Erie Seniors Magazine, copies of which are prominently displayed throughout the restaurant.
Another local connection can be found in the coffee served to customers. Avanti’s has long featured Millcreek Coffee’s House Blend, which is now available for purchase in 12-ounce bags as whole bean or ground coffee.
“What they’ve been getting for years is our Millcreek House Blend, and they’re a big help to making it a staple of Erie,” said Doug Baker, head roaster at Millcreek Coffee.
While ownership has changed, Almeida says longtime customers can expect familiar favorites to remain on the menu.
“We’ll do breakfast and lunch. We’re hoping to add a vegan item on the menu so that will be a nice addition, and we also have fresh, local maple syrup now that people can purchase,” Almeida said.
Popular breakfast staples, including egg dishes and other longtime menu favorites, will continue to be served.
Looking ahead, Almeida says improvements are planned for the restaurant, including additional outdoor seating in the front and potentially more seating in the back.
For Almeida, the goal is to build on what has made Avanti’s a community favorite for more than 50 years.
“I’m happy to take ownership of a place that’s been loved by the community and is really an epic part of the neighborhood,” she said.