Dante Vannelli was a fixture in the Orion area for about 25 years, operating Gus? Steak House (in the location currently housing Kruse & Muer), from 1973 to 1997.
Now Vannelli is back where he belongs, returning to the area earlier this month with the opening of Vannelli Express at 179 N. Park (the location formerly used by Rio Wraps and Dr. Sam Caruso).
‘I’m happy to be doing this,? Vannelli said. ‘I’m back home. It’s been very good to me here.?
After spending three years in Florida, Vannelli said he ‘got bored? and moved back to Michigan. He was at La Villa in Clarkston before deciding he wanted to open his own place about 10 months ago.
‘What they’re eating is Gus? Steak House food to go,? he said of Vannelli Express.
The upscale Italian takeout offers good food at a good price on top of convenience.
‘I can focus on doing what I want to do, rather than focusing on running 40 people at a restaurant,? Vannelli noted.
‘The menu is less expensive then going into a fine-dining sit-down because there’s no overhead. And you can eat in the comfort of your home or office.?
Vannelli’s new restaurant is certain to have some familiar faces, as many of his new employees were also longtime employees at Gus? Steak House.
The menu is just as likely to bring back fond memories too.
‘The pastas are big, so are chicken and veal,? Vannelli said. ‘And we’ve got the original Gus? Potatoes.?
He added that lunch items such as the Penny’s Vegetarian and Dante’s Philly Steak, which uses a shredded, not shaved pot roast, are among the popular lunch items.
‘We smoke are own salmon too,? Vannelli said. ‘That’s a big thing.?
For those with a sweet tooth, Vannelli Express offers homemade classic desserts made fresh every day.
Vannelli said the restaurant offers fast lunch delivery and has a seating area for those that want to stay awhile. They also offer a specialty retail shelf with Italian products ranging from cookies to cooking oils.
‘We were raised in the Tuscan area of Italy, with its traditions of good food, and where knowing how to cook is like a sixth sense,? Vannelli wrote in his menu.
‘The knowledge has been incorporated in all of the recipes, offering the best in taste and quality, with our personal guarantee and served with a knowing smile.?
And, if there’s something you want that’s not on the menu, Vannelli has a promise.
‘If they have one of our classics that they remember, we can make it for them,? he said.
Visit Vannelli Express at 179 N. Park (Lapeer Road). You can call them at (248)693-9971 or e-mail VannelliExpress@aol.com.