Train Stop Family Restaurant thrives on quality food and good service

They say a good home cooked meal keeps patrons coming back for more and at a local restaurant, that’s exactly what they do.

“We hold to it and I think people recognize the quality of food here, they really do,” said Train Stop Family Restaurant owner, Ron Spinelli.

Train Stop Family Restaurant, 1061 Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga has been in business since 2004. Spinelli has worked in the food serving industry for years, starting at the young age of 15, when he washed dishes at a hot dog stand. He continued to gain experience at various restaurants including Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, where he worked for over eight years. After passing a for-sale sign for a vacant building in Cheektowaga, he decided to purchase it with his wife Debbie and the rest is history.

“I just thought I had something to offer the customers better than what other people were doing. Other people were serving frozen lasagna and I thought it would be better if someone made homemade things for the customers,” he said.

The business’s trademark asset is its made from scratch food. Soups, gravy, potato salad, potato pancakes, beef stews, barbeque burgers, lasagna and all of their specials are homemade. Another patron favorite is the “Helicopter.” It’s a large sandwich that contains thick bologna, fried onions and peppers, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato and bacon.

“We have an awesome fish fry too, fresh haddock, breaded pork chops, just everything,” said Spinelli. “We prefer to buy better quality food, even though it costs more.”

The prices on the menu are also very reasonable. It is apparent on the patron’s faces that they are more than satisfied as the aroma of homemade cooking emanates throughout the dining room.

Since the restaurant has opened, the cliental has remained loyal. Spinelli stressed that it’s the kind and friendly service his waitresses provide, that brings in his regular customers.

“They really have a special way with the customers and it’s a big asset to your business when you have girls like that,” he said.

Spinelli picked the name “Train Stop Family Restaurant” for his love of train collecting. The restaurant even has a mini train that rides around and toots for customers as they enjoy their meal.

“Every Christmas I buy a Lionell train set and I let all the kids who come in the restaurant take free chances to win it,” said Spinelli. “The kids really love it.”

Spinelli is proud of what his restaurant has accomplished and looks forward to the many years of success to come.

“I love serving the people, cooking, making schedules, doing dishes, every aspect of it,” he said. “This my thing and I always knew I would end up owning a restaurant.”

Train Stop Family Restaurant is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on what the business has to offer call 821-0002.