La Magnolia Trattoria Italiana has seen a steady flow of business since Genci Krasniqi took over ownership in 2011. He said he anticipates even more business now that the eatery has received its beer and wine license.
The repealing of Magnolia's dry county laws were critical to growth, Krasniqi said. Before those laws were repealed, restaurants that wanted to sell alcohol had to purchase a special permit from the state at an initial cost of $7,000.
"It's a good reason for everyone to celebrate," he said. "Magnolia is open for business."
Krasniqi has already put in an order for a variety of Italian wines and beers to be shipped from New York.
"It's going to be something that's not available at your next-door grocer's," he said. "Something that's really unique but at affordable prices."
Business is mostly composed of return customers, he said, but he is content with where things are headed.
"I am very happy my family and I moved to Magnolia. The city has been very supportive," he said.
La Magnolia's $5.95 specials have kept customers coming back, Krasniqi said, but the most popular item on the menu is the stuffed veal with shrimp.
The new menu offers a wide range of Italian foods from pizza to northern Italian seafood cuisine, with revolving dinner specials.