Name of Business: Strings Italian Café
Type of Business: Italian cuisine
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30
Location: 1501 Geer Road
Contact Information: 669-9777
Business Specialty: Authentic Italian food
Strings Italian Café in Turlock took on a total transformation in 2009 with a new owner, new look and a new pride in the authentic Italian food served.
Benny Nazar dreamed of one day owning his own restaurant and when he took over ownership six years ago he was happy to pick up the pieces to the once rundown Strings Italian Café.
“It was trashed out,” said Nazar. “You talk to people who knew Strings then and are customers now… there are so many differences with decorations, food and customer service.”
Before owning the restaurant, Nazar worked for Gallo winery for 25 years at numerous different positions including production planning, project manager, forecaster and many other areas that he believed provided him with the tools and skills to properly manage his restaurant.
“That experience helped me tremendously,” he said. “Especially with being able to communicate with my guests… that’s very important to me. We are a family run restaurant and want families to feel welcomed and comfortable.”
Nazar’s wife and daughter manage the restaurant and his son works there part-time on the weekends as he goes to college during the week.
“We want to be the best of the best and we go the extra mile because we’re a family and we’re in this together,” said Nazar.
It’s important to him that people understand Strings Italian Café is not a fast food restaurant and that their Italian cuisine is authentic.
“We are reaching our goal in that aspect, as far as feedback from the customers—everyone loves it,” said Nazar.
Live bands and musicians perform on Friday nights at the restaurant to have the opportunity to showcase their music and to provide entertainment for the guests.
“It’s a win-win for both the restaurant and the artists,” said Nazar. “We want to give back to the community and this is a way local artists can have the opportunity to play their music; it’s good for them and good for us.”