Mike and Lisa Vernalis are continuing a family legacy that their great-grandparents started in 1948...Vernalis Restaurant. This brother and sister team took the reins from their parents after they retired. It was a smooth transition because they both grew up helping in the restaurant. Today, they enjoy working together and serving their community through food and fellowship.
Our Customers Are Like Family
"We love our customers. They are like our family," said Lisa. "We can't say enough great things about them...we are personally attached." And it shows because when the restaurant gets very busy, their customers will jump in and help until things slow down again. " Without our loyal customers we wouldn't be here," said Mike. They smiled when sharing stories about customers who bring them cookies on their birthday. "It doesn't get any better than that," they agreed. They feel the same way about their staff. "We're very fortunate that our staff is so wonderful," said Lisa. Kim Jolene is one of the oldest employees and has worked in the restaurant for 28 years. "They are absolutely wonderful," Kim said. "They are like my family."
Open For Breakfast and Lunch
Vernalis is a local hot spot for breakfast and lunch. Their family-style menu and daily specials feature selections inspired by their Polish and Greek heritage. Every item on the menu is homemade featuring ingredients from local businesses." We use Kowlaonek's kielbasey, Mrs. T's Pierogies, and dough from Creasy's Pizza Shoppe." said Mike. We do our best to purchase locally." He continued to explain that the business community looks out for one another. "If we run out of something or another business needs something from us, we know we can count on each other to help out."
Recipes Handed Down Through Generations
"Many of our recipes are handed down through the generations, said Lisa." Their grandma's famous rice pudding is one that sells out every day. "It's a secret family recipe". They are also famous for their bundukies, and deviled crabs. The breakfast menu is extremely popular and features both sweet and savory items that customers rave about. Lisa explained that at one time in the restaurant's history, there were more than 30 different omelets on the menu. "Even though a customer's favorite is not listed on the menu, we can still make it for them," she said. "They have the best breakfast in Schuylkill County," said Vernalis regular, Brian Rooney. He and his wife, Kathie, visit Vernalis at least twice a week. "Their stuffed French Toast filled with bacon, ham, and sausage is great," said Brian. Another customer, Frank Rizzo agrees with the Rooney's. "There's none better," he said.
One of the newer favorites on the menu is the Shenandoah Eggroll. Created by Mike, It is a delicious combination of kielbasey, bacon, sweet peppers, and a variety of cheeses rolled inside a pocket of dough and deep-fried. "It's a grab-and-go food and customers love them," said Mike. "They are always a sell-out!"
Giving Back To The Community Then And Now
Just like their parents, Mike and Lisa are committed to giving back to the community. They volunteer for a number of fundraisers, are members of the Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce, support Shenandoah's school district athletics, and always participate in DSI programs. They are vendors at the Kielbasi Festival/Heritage Day event and not only golf at the annual Kielbasey/Pierogie Golf Open but also generously provide bundukies for the special brunch that is part of the fundraising event.
Most recently, Mike and Lisa, are collaborating with Dr. Sasha Sherry in a golf competition to raise money for the Polish American Fire Department and the local animal shelter. The two shared with us that their father was involved in creating the Miner's Memorial, was a member of the Shenandoah Chamber, and generously donated to local organizations including DSI.
Mike and Lisa expressed how grateful they are for their customers' loyalty and support throughout the years. "We can't thank everyone enough," they said. Vernalis Restaurant is located at 32 South Main Street, Shenandoah.
