Since opening in November, Nora’s Cafe has been serving breakfast and lunch to diners at their Ogden Avenue location where Wilma’s Café was previously located.
Owners Tim and Zena Besiri, and Tim’s dad, Cerim, hope their new business venture becomes a Naperville tradition.
“We have been looking for a restaurant for a long time,” said Tim Besiri, who worked alongside his dad in the restaurant business for nearly two decades. “When Wilma’s closed, it was the perfect opportunity for us. We want to continue the tradition they started.”
While keeping with the family-oriented theme, the couple completely transformed the café’s interior and revamped the menu. He said the feedback has been positive.
“This is a great community; everyone here seems like they really want to help us,” he said. “We have tried to expand and improve on what was here.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for March 26.
What’s on the menu? Nora’s Café serves up hearty breakfast and lunch options, from omelets, skillets and pancakes and crepes to burgers, wraps and salads. Tim Besiri said they aim to use the freshest ingredients and buy locally when possible. Several health-conscious options are available as well as kid’s menu items.
About the owner(s): Residents of Westmont, Tim and Zena Besiri have worked in the restaurant industry for years with hopes of one day owning their own place. The restaurant is named after their 4-year-old daughter, Nora, who is a big fan of the pancakes.
A mission statement or philosophy: The mission of Nora’s Café is to make every customer feel like part of the family, while delivering homemade delicious meals at a reasonable price.
“We want people to feel comfortable,” Tim said. “Our regulars know where to go and we know what they want, and that’s the kind of atmosphere we are trying to create.”
What’s the décor like? The neutral décor is charming yet modern, with both tables and booths as well as five stools for counter seating. Warm tones and wood floors give the café a classic look, and food art adorns the walls. It’s not big, but has an open and bright feel.
Food specialties: Each day the specialties are listed on the café’s chalkboard, which is prominently displayed on the wall near the kitchen. Items are added seasonally, like a pumpkin cinnamon swirl French toast that’s currently available. The meat lover’s skillet with ham, bacon and sausage is popular, as are the varieties of eggs Benedict. Besiri said customers rave about the homemade hash browns and Nora’s signature chips. As far as 4-year-old Nora goes, she’s a fan of Mickey Mouse pancakes and so are most kids her age.
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We’re different because … With an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and good old fashioned home cooking, Besiri hopes to stand out among other restaurants.
Extras: While Nora’s Café is open daily until 2 p.m., it can be reserved for groups after hours. Whether it’s a social gathering or business luncheon, Besiri said they will accommodate their customers’ needs.
Price range: Breakfast items range from $6 to $8, and kid’s menu items start around $3. Lunch options range from $6 to $9 for salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, which include soup and fries.
Logistics: Nora’s Café is located at 1224 W. Ogden Avenue in Naperville, just east of River Road.
They are open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and after hours (for groups) by reservation.
For more information, call 331-229-3696 or email [email protected].
Jane Donahue is a freelance writer.