#MerchantSpotlight : Meet Anthony Miniscalco (left) & Al Mancini (right), owners of Tre Sorelle Ristorante (1111 Lake Street) in Downtown Oak Park! Tre Sorelle is known for their Italian classics, assorted pastas, homemade gelato & so much more! Read or visit bit.ly/329AePM
How has the last three months affected your business?
“It’s been tough to manage with the Lake Street closure on top of a pandemic. People don’t want to walk through the construction. We have lost a substantial amount of business, especially walk-in and table service.”
What have you learned as a business owner over the last three months?
“As much as you think that you can prepare for the unexpected you can’t. However, the support from the Oak Park community has been overwhelming. They have helped keep us alive.”
How can the community help your business thrive in the coming months?
“Don’t forget about us! Though the street may not look pretty, we still are here fighting each day to get people in the door. We hope a small (and safe) celebration for the reopening of Lake Street will help us regain the foot traffic we lost during the construction.”
If you didn’t own a business, what would be your dream career?
Anthony — I’d love to be a journalist, specifically focusing on rare cars.
Al Mancini — Architect
Favorite local spot to dine?
Anthony — Kalamata Kitchen. We are there probably 3-4 times a week and love it because it’s fresh and authentic. The owner Gus, and his family are amazing people.
Al Mancini — Barclays
Favorite local spot to shop?
Anthony — I love The Book Table for new books. I also love 16 Suitcases for gifts for my fiancé — she loves their clothes! Ohh, and BeerShop!
Al Mancini — Target
Favorite fun thing to do when you aren’t busy running your business?
Anthony — Work on old vintage Porsche’s, eat out and try new restaurants, travel (when we are able!) and take my dog to the dog park.
Al Mancini — Spending time with grandchildren.
Anything else you’d like the community to know about you as an individual?
Anthony — I went to cooking school in Firenze and have a passion for all things Italian.
Al Mancini — I have been here since 1995. I love Oak Park, and the incredibly who have supported us this entire time.