Sebian is one of six siblings, all of whom are in the Italian restaurant business.
While Imer was on a trip visiting family, “he fell in love with Texas,” Sebian said. So the Bardhis decided to move from New York and start their own branch of the family business here.
Armed with her mother’s recipes, industry experience and guidance from her brother, Moni Kaba—a successful restaurateur in Arlington—Sebian said she and her husband opened their stand-alone restaurant in 1987.
Although Imer died last year, Sebian remains active in the day-to-day operation of the restaurant.
“When I first come here, I go in the kitchen and check everything, the sauces [and] make sure everything is right. If something is missing, I fix it,” she said.
She said she especially loves greeting customers.
“When customers come here and they don’t see me, they say, ‘It’s so quiet, what’s going on? Where’s Sebian? Why isn’t she here?’” Sebian said.
Bari’s is a family restaurant with Sebian’s son, daughter, niece and cousin also working there.
The menu features classic Italian dishes, including fried calamari for $8.99, an assortment of pizzas starting at $6.99, stromboli for $8.99, tortellini alfredo for $10.99 and more.
The Bari’s crew is grateful to their loyal customers, many of whom have been regulars for going on 35 years, Sebian said.
“The people I really love. They have been supportive of me for all these years,” she said.
Bari’s Pasta & Pizza, 3472 Long Prairie Road, Flower Mound. 972-539-7092. http://barispastapizza.com.
Hours: Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon. closed, Tue.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
