Councilwoman Laura Bastood spotlights Hope's Brunch House, a family-run restaurant in District 4

Councilwoman Laura Bastood visited Hope's Brunch House in District 4 to spotlight the new family-run restaurant, which opened three months ago. The visit was a community outreach appearance; no formal council action or vote took place.

The visit highlighted local small-business activity in and near the Willow Historic neighborhood and included remarks from the restaurant's owner and family members about the business's history and approach. Hope, the restaurant owner, said the family has “been in restaurant business over 40 years.”

Hope described the restaurant as family-run and said her adult children — one a doctor and one a nurse — were helping at the restaurant while the owners recruit more staff. “My name in Albanian is Espressa, which translates to hope,” Hope said, explaining the restaurant's name. A family member described the restaurant's approach to food and service: “Our secret ingredient is love for the business.”

Councilwoman Bastood said the neighborhood has embraced the new restaurant and noted its location adjacent to the Willow Historic neighborhood. The visiting delegation sampled menu items and specials; the restaurant offered an enchilada platter and a gyro sandwich on pita and served organic coffee to the guests.

The visit focused on a local business spotlight and community engagement. There were no motions, votes, or policy decisions during the visit, and no dates, funding requests, or regulatory actions were discussed or recorded in the transcript.