Business booms for new local restaurant

Milano’s opened for business in June of this year and since then has enjoyed success as one of the go-to restaurants downtown.

Owner Ylli Makolli and his brother were born in Albania and raised in Europe. “When I turned 24 years old I decided to come to the United States, see what it’s about,” said Makolli, explaining how he moved to New York in 2013. “New York is good to visit, but not to live, I don’t like to live there. You know, too much hustle.”

“We fell in love with it,” said Makolli about the restaurant business, “You talk to people and be social with them. You get to hear different stories… It’s hard work; don’t get me wrong; it’s very hard to be in restaurant business, but at the same time it’s that joy and that pleasure that you meet people and talk to people, stuff like that.”

Since then the pair opened seven restaurants before eventually selling them to make a move to Vicksburg.

The brothers found the ideal spot for their new restaurant on Washington St. and named it Milano’s after a favorite Italian soccer team.

Makolli and his team saw a need in downtown Vicksburg for a more full-time restaurant. “We are open all day… majority of business in downtown I think they are closed at 2 and open at 5,” said Makolli.

In recent news, Milano’s just got its license to serve liquor last week. “It’s ready right now,” said Makolli.

Makolli concluded reflecting on finding himself in this city: “I love it because I am somewhere where I want to be; I am somewhere where I found myself; I am somewhere where we are doing something for the community at the same time; we are bringing them the best Italian food that we have… everything is fresh, everything we make in the house,” Makolli continued, “We’re very happy to be here.”