Allen has a homey new place to grab breakfast from a pair of breakfast veterans: Called Sofra Breakfast and Lunch, it's a breakfast and lunch spot located at 503 W. McDermott Dr. #130, in a complex off US-75, with a favorable location right between the Central Allen Fire Station and Allen City Hall.

The restaurant is from husband-and-wife Kreshnik and Albulena Maloku, who moved to Texas from Connecticut during COVID. They previously owned a similar concept in Plano with family members called Texas Cafe Breakfast & Lunch.

"We sold our share to our partners so we could open our own," Albulena says.

The couple, who are both Albanian, endeavor to showcase their culture with a Mediterranean-influenced but American-style cafe. Part of that culture is represented in the name.

"It's a lower round wooden table where families used to sit around and eat,” Albulena says. “While eating, they shared stories of their day and it created an enjoyable and memorable moment for everyone.”

The standout is their Albanian omelet, a carryover from Texas Cafe, featuring house-made Albanian smoked beef sausage and feta cheese, for a mix of tangy and smoky flavors.

They do breakfast staples like pancakes, French toast, waffles, crepes, migas, steak & eggs, corned beef hash, oatmeal, and avocado toast, with a particular emphasis on breakfast skillets and three-egg omelets. Their bestseller is their steak skillet featuring ribeye, spinach, red peppers, onion, feta cheese, and eggs.

They're doting towards kids, with specials such as Mickey Mouse pancakes; and especially seniors, for whom they have a special category on the menu.

"They need smaller portions and cheaper prices, and we made sure to account for them," Kreshnik says.

They do coffee drinks such as cappuccinos, macchiatos, and cold brew with coffee sourced from Segafredo Zanetti, an Italian company whose U.S. office is based in Virginia.

For lunch, Sofra offers standouts like a steak wrap and a Philly cheesesteak, among a selection of salads, burgers (including an impossible burger), wraps and sandwiches. Those who love the food also return for the service and welcoming environment.

They also offer 20 percent off for first responders including veterans, miliary service, police officers, and firefighters, like the ones next-door.

Customer service is a top priority according to Albulena, who is originally from Kosovo.

“Hospitality is a major part of our culture, therefore through Sofra we wanted to show part of who we are,” she says.