Ulber Ferati, Owner: Fiori D'Italia Restaurant.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
• Position: View from the Top

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Fiori D'Itaha opened in 1995, and is currently located at 2502 McRae Road in Anchorage. It is rooted in the story of Ulber Ferati, who as a college economics student fled the winds of war in his native Yugoslavia and came to the United States in 1985, moving the next year to Alaska to carve out a new life in a less populated but culturally rich area. Navigating in a challenging industry helped him improve his English language skills, and he acknowledges a debt of gratitude to the support he received along the way from the late Sen. Ted Stevens. After working many years from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week, the family began closing their restaurant during the month of August to travel and spend time together. Ulber and his wife Urime, an accountant, have two grown sons. The restaurant has a staff of eight.

VIEW FROM TOP: Loyal customers have long helped us weather an uncertain economy by valuing affordable quality food. Steady growth helps assure a constant flow of customers. While for years we've planned an expansion to seat 300 in a banquet room and 175 in the restaurant (125 and 110 respectively now), the uncertain status of McRae Road improvements has led to certain limitations involving--for instance--snow removal and power lines.

BALKAN INFLUENCE: Our dishes are unique, offering Italian, American and Albanian cuisine--Italian because it is a popular and familiar. Growing up in the Balkan region of Europe, our food was inspired by surrounding countries. More than tourists, at Fiori D'Italia we serve the locals, and the only advertising involves word of mouth.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN: This means using the best...