As the old saying goes, if it is isn’t broken don’t fix it.
Likewise, Ken Gjolaj of Ken’s Coney Island in Ortonville and Oxford has no intentions of changing a thing.
For more than six years, area residents have known where to go to get a good home-cooked meal and Ken’s delivers just what the customer ordered.
‘We pay very close attention to every plate of food we serve,? said Gjolaj. ‘Our products are of the highest quality because we want to take care of our customers.?
Ken’s Coney Island will satisfy more than a craving for authentic coney dogs, exceptional spinach pies, or a warm bowl of rice pudding. The traditional family style menu is designed to meet comfort favorites such as old fashioned fish and chips, potato pancakes, a full breakfast menu, homemade ravioli and an extensive assortment of luncheon sandwich meals. Daily homemade soup specials are offered to complement a variety of salad meals and dieter’s plates. Recently, Ken’s added a full line of submarine sandwiches to the menu.
‘It’s basically home cooking with no short cuts,? said Gjolaj.
Gjolaj believes that food quality and customer satisfaction goes hand in hand.
‘It’s very important for us to be consistent with our food.? he said.
Further, believing that processed foods are related to diabetes, Gjolaj wants uses only fresh baked meats in his home cooked meals, salads and sandwiches.
‘We only carry fresh ingredients because you just can not use processed foods and have it taste right,? said Gjolaj.
‘Simply put, our customers here are down to earth and these people need a place where they can get quality homemade food at reasonable prices.?
It’s the close-knit, smalltown atmosphere of both Ortonville and Oxford that inspires Ken’s to offers takeout services, special order cooking, cutting and de-boning all types of meat for party catering.
The 20-year restaurateur moved his business to Brandon Township from Detroit because he wanted to work in a small community where he could have personal contacts. Three years later, he opened a Ken’s Coney in Oxford, and he plans to be in both towns for years to come.
‘The longer we do it, the better we get,? said Gjolaj with a smile. ‘My goal is to keep running both locations as long as I can. I like this small town atmosphere because we get to know our customers.?
‘In fact,? beamed Gjolaj, ‘My customers even stop to see if I need help when they see me working outside.?
Breakfast, lunch and dinners are served at both locations 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. -3 p.m. Sunday. Carryout menus and gift certificates are available. The restaurants are closed on holidays.
Call Ken’s Coney Island, 100 S. Ortonville Road (M-15) at (248) 627-5967 or Ken’s Coney, 212 S. Washington St., Oxford at (248) 969-3665.