Profile with Owner of Illiano Cucina, Lucia Illiano

Lucia Illiano-Savarese is her full name, she’s the owner and manager of Illiano Cucina in Medford, NJ. She said she kept her maiden name after she was married to avoid loads of paper work. Although the last name just makes her more recognizable around the town. Though you would never know it, Lucy is the eldest of three children. She inherited the restaurant from her father Antonio Illiano. Originally the restaurant was named Lamberti’s because owner Tony Illiano came over from Italy with business partner Aldo Lamberti the owner of Cafe Aldo Lamberti. Lucia says how both her father and Aldo were working on a ship that came over from Naples and docked in New York. When docked the two got off to start a better life in America. Lucia’s other two brothers run Cibo by Illiano a pizzeria in addition to helping at Illiano’s. She was born in Italy but grew up partially there and in New Jersey, graduating from Eastern Regional High School. Going into the restaurant business she says is just what came naturally, she always wanted to carry on the family business. Illiano’s opened on October 31, 1989. Though it has been improving, recently installing outdoor seating with a view of the lake. The restaurant has always been family operated by the Illianos, which contributes the style of work of their employees. Lucia says that despite the cliche it’s true that everyone in the restaurant is like family. That’s her reasoning for always personally managing the place. Lucia admitted she could have more days off if she hired a manager but always wanted to make sure Illiano’s retained its family environment. “We have some employees that have been with us for a while, sometimes when either me or my brothers can’t be here they’re trusted to watch the restaurant.” She explained how this kept the family environment and air of familiarity within the establishment. Last year Lucia was interviewed for Medford Living Magazine where she explained the importance of making the customers feel at home. She was also interviewed for Suburban Family Magazine in 2011. That family connection is what compels her to make the restaurant more accessible to people during this time of social distancing. Never before did Illiano’s offer delivery expect for catering orders, now they offer delivery on all orders as well as takeout. Lucia said she was afraid the restaurant would have to close but is grateful it can stay open and appreciate their many loyal customers who are also like family. As a bit of a germaphobe herself Lucia wants to assure her customers Illiano’s is doing their very best to ensure safety. They have set up a system for contactless delivery as well as take out. For the take out system an employee stands by the lobby doors and takes the name of customers when they pull up to the restaurant. The employee then goes inside and places the order on a table set up out front where the customers can pick it up. The same goes for deliveries to the restaurant from food suppliers. She says how she stated all deliveries must be handled outside. The deliver must call to the restaurant and someone will meet them outside. It all goes into making sure everyone at the place is protected. Lucia said though she appreciates serving her customers anyway she can now, she’s hopeful things can go back to normal soon.

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