Bravo Restaurant: New owner sees no need for change

Sep 09, 2010

Martha Dunn (at left) takes over the reins at Bravo from Christos Lianos

The old adage, “If it ain't broke don't fix it” is the approach Martha Dunn is taking since she took over the reins at Bravo Restaurant in Verona on September 1. First and foremost Martha recognizes the value of preserving a good thing and is taking lessons from Christos Lianos, who along with his two sons Angelo and Spiros transformed Bravo Restaurant in just six short years into a busy Verona eatery, known most fondly for its authentic Greek fare.

In her determined effort to make the turnover as seamless as possible, Dunn has been working14-hour days behind the scenes in the kitchen, learning the ropes and recipes - and for good reason. She says, “I've spoken to many locals who have said, 'You aren't going to change it are you?'”

She is thrilled that the Lianos have agreed to stay on for as long as it takes for her to replicate the dishes that the Bravo clientele have come to know and love.

For 15 years Dunn has worked in a number of restaurants, the last being the Greek restaurant Mino's in Kingston, where she met Christos prior to his leaving to open Bravo. While the front end of the business is her forte, for now she is now focusing her attention on Bravo's kitchen. She said, “I need to know everything so that I can take over at a moment’s notice and be able to do absolutely everything.”

The day I met her Spiros was in the kitchen showing Dunn the ropes. He said, “She will always have our support and we will be here for as long as that takes. We really want her to succeed.”

Like the Lianos, Dunn will run Bravo as a family business. Joining her in her new venture will be her 20-year-old son Ben, who is eager to learn the ropes of the restaurant business and who she says will “be her right man”. Her three other children also plan to work when time allows them. Mark Siemons, her life partner, will advise her on the business side of things, and will also be around to lend a helping hand when she needs it.

Initially, Martha had made an offer on a different Kingston restaurant but it was turned down. That same day she got a call from a friend who had heard that Christos was thinking of selling Bravo. Martha recalled, “I called him that day; we worked out a deal in a few days’ time and after all of the legal stuff was done, here I am.”

Christos had decided to sell Bravo since he was looking to retire and also because his son Angelo, who was running Bravo, wanted to be in Kingston where he has a young family. Both also wanted to focus on their latest restaurant venture, Greek Town, which is primarily a takeout business.

Bravo customers can rest assured that the restaurant will keep its same hours and same menu. The one and only thing that Dunn anticipates may change may be the desserts. “Christos is a trained pastry chef and has been making the Greek desserts for years. I'll try my best to replicate them but I'm not guaranteeing I'll be able to do it like him - but I'll definitely try! ”

She says that the community has welcomed her with open arms. “People have introduced themselves to me, welcomed me and sent me cards. It's been just great.”

Christos appeared at the end of our interview, freshly baked chocolate cake in hand and joined us after sliding it into the dessert fridge.

He feels strongly that his Bravo baby is in good hands. “I feel very good and am very happy that the business is going to someone at its peak and also to someone who really knows the restaurant business”. He smiled and added, “And I also happen to know that she is very good baker.”

Bravo Restaurant is located at 6557 Road 38 in Verona and is open 7 days a week from 8AM-9PM(to 8PM in the winter months).