Work is underway to transform a former Galesburg pizza parlor into a family-style restaurant.
Two Brothers Family Cafe will be located at 1555 E. Main St., site of the former Pizza Hut Restaurant. The trademark Pizza Hut red roof has been removed and remodeling will continue to both the exterior and interior of the building.
Niko Aliu, who will operate Two Brothers with his wife Esmeralda, said the cafe will initially be open for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. He said they expect to eventually offer a dinner menu.
Aliu anticipates Two Brothers — named after their two sons — to open in early 2025. The couple previously operated Maple City Restaurant in downtown Monmouth.
The breakfast menu will include traditional eggs, omelettes, skillets and other specialty items. For lunch, Two Brothers will offer a variety of sandwiches and homemade soups.
“I’m thinking there is a need for this type of breakfast cafe in Galesburg,” Aliu said. “The menu won’t be too big, but just the right size.”
Aliu currently owns a restaurant in Montana, but said, “We just like the (Galesburg) area better, I guess.”
Speaking of the 1555 E. Main St. property, Aliu said, “For starters, there’s not many options in that part of town, and it’s close to the interstate, so it’s a good location. The inside is in good condition, but we’re still going to remodel and fix it up nice.”
Built as a Pizza Hut in 1975, the 1555 E. Main St. pizza restaurant permanently closed closed Dec. 5, 2023.
