Keka worked his way up through management at both Legal Sea Foods and Grill 23 & Bar in Boston’s Back Bay before venturing out on his own. He was penniless and unable to speak English, but soon landed a job washing dishes for fellow Albanian-American Anthony Athanas, the late owner of former Boston stalwart Anthony’s Pier 4. Keka immigrated to America in 1990 after fleeing communist Albania by swimming across a lake to Montenegro and then escaping a Serbian prison. Taking a chance and opening amid COVID-19 restrictions has paid off too - the restaurant has been packed “by socially distant standards” each night, according to Keka. In August, he expanded to Hanover, opening Alba on 53. He opened Alba, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant 19 years ago. The Albanian immigrant has thrived as a restaurateur in America. Now Alba is back open for both indoor and outdoor dining and Keka said his new restaurant is opening soon. I had no money, nothing - this is an opportunity for me to now give something back to my staff.” Photo Courtesy of Leo Keka Leo Keka, owner of Alba Restaurant in Quincy. Located in downtown Quincy Center, we offer an extensive menu of American fare. “I know how I got here: I was given opportunities. First opened in 1994, The Fours Quincy has become a neighborhood staple. "I'm always up for a challenge … I just hope people see and appreciate what we're doing here.As an appreciation for the opportunities provided to him that have led to his success, Keka said he wanted to spread a little holiday cheer and help out his staff. "With the space we have here, I think we can making a living," he said. The coronavirus has already forced the closure of several restaurants on the South Shore, including Caffe Bella in Randolph and Isaac's in Plymouth, but Keka said he's not overly worried about his new Hanover location. "We're reaching out to clients who've already been good to us." But we felt like we really did have a large guest base down here, further into the South Shore," he said. The food is always excellent and the owner Leo is always friendly and remembers all of us. "Quincy is my home, there is no mistaking that. My wife and I and our grown kids have been coming to Albas for years. Inc BANKIT 37-6113384 Thinois State Bank of Quincy 531 Hampshire St Quincy. Leo also owns nearby Zef Cicchetti & Raw. CN BAR CO Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Edmonton, Alba, CN BANKERS. Angelou, Steve Wozniak, Jane Goodall, Larry King, Jessica Alba, Pitbull, Tim Ferriss. We’ll be sticking to the Alba concept because of the success we’ve had, but we’ll be focusing on things like homemade pasta, seafood and prime steaks, a true Italian Steakhouse. The new eatery will be Keka's first outside of Quincy. Most people who live on the South Shore are familiar with Leo Kekas Quincy restaurant, ALBA, and its rooftop deck. After remarkable one-on-one interviews with Bill Gates, Maya. ALBA Restaurant, a staple of Quincy Center for almost 20 years has a new location at Merchants Row in Hanover ALBA on 53. sustainable funds saw outflows in Q2, but demand remained 'sticky': Morningstar analyst. Alba committed to anchoring the new Hanover shopping center Merchant's Row in January, and said it made no sense to slow down when the pandemic hit. Leo Keka is the owner of Alba in Quincy, Mass. See sales history and home details for 241 Alba Ave, Quincy, FL 32351, a 3 bed, 2 bath, 2464 Sq. During the coronavirus, he'll be able to serve about 100.Īlba is a popular name in Quincy Center, and Keka first expanded thee years ago with a Venetian-style tapas restaurant named Zef next door. He said the money is his way of thanking employees 'for. Normally, Keko said the restaurant and small outdoor patio can seat 240 people. Leo Keka owns Alba, an upscale steak and seafood house in Quincy Center, and Alba on 53 in Hanover, which opened this past August. The function space will be used as a dining room until events are allowed again under COVID-19 restrictions. Toward the rear of the restaurant, a function room has a wall lined with wine racks. The new space is an open concept and includes a large bar, an open kitchen and exposed wooden beams. "But Todd has a great vision and I was very happy when he said he'd come do this with me." "It feels like I know what my guests want and it's hard for me to believe that other people do too," Keka said. Renner's resume includes time at Cinquecento in Boston and as the regional chef for Tender Greens. Keka said hiring a chef was the most stressful part of the new restaurant's opening. "It may seem weird in a steakhouse, but it'll be a good contrast and I think it'll work," he said.
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