The first time we did a story about Roma Italian Bistro coming to Lufkin it was a different world. Back in November of 2019, we were thinking that they would be here in the Spring of 2020. Since Covid hit, that put a wrench in things for the owners Florence Leshnja and Tim Raka.

Now things are moving forward, and I got a look at the building today, and it's an amazing transformation. The old Rays West building had a fire in July of 2013, and since then the property has sat unused. I don't think anyone thought that the prime real estate there would stay there vacant for that long.

Now the building is completed and is a great addition to what is a dead zone for restaurants in our town. Now Lufkinites and all that travel here have access to authentic Italian food. Lasagna, Meatballs, Ravioli, Baked Ziti, Manicotti and all the other foods we have been missing.

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This is actually a chain of restaurants and they have 5 locations, but they are all in Louisiana. I think it's quite the honor for Lufkin to have the first Texas franchise. Their branding is on point for Lufkin as well - 'Nothing fancy, just great Italian food'.

Roma put an announcement on their facebook page this past Friday that they will have have soft opening in just two days. Look for them to get things going serving the Lufkin Community on February 3rd, 2021. Since they are on the West side of town, I think the will become a new favorite for many residents in that area.

 

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