Lorna's Story
A Taste of Tradition for 40 Years
Quality and service, a family tradition
Lorna’s Italian Kitchen was opened in 1988 by a humble, hardworking chef from Southern California and his wife at the time, Lorna. It was right here in this little University City, San Diego shopping center where their big dreams developed into even larger realities.
My mom, Lorna, for the first five years, ran the front of the house and quickly became the face of the operation. She still comes by from time to time to eat her favorite meal, the Tagliatelle Bolognese and Vegetables Primavera.
At this time my dad, Steve, was working away in his tiny one-stove kitchen, making too much food in not enough space.
As time went on, the kids got a little bigger and Lorna’s got a lot busier. In 1993, Steve expanded the store into what it is today. Today customers “usually” don’t have to wait outside very long to get a table.
Lorna’s gained a second kitchen and a second dining room. Steve remarried, grew his family, and his business doubled.
By 1997, my second mom, Joy, had become the face of Lorna’s. Customers are always happy to come in and be greeted by her smiling face. Together, Joy and Steve worked hard, kept loyal customers happy, and built a positive environment for their valued employees.
Lorna’s never changed things too much, so that when you are craving a hearty lasagne, it is the same as it was back in 1988.
Today Lorna’s is just as much of a family business as it was nearly 40 years ago, now run by Ethan, Steve’s son. The people who make this place what it is have been here for decades. Some of the families who worked for Steve are still here today, working alongside Ethan. That continuity is something we’re proud of and don’t take for granted.
We take pride in everything we do at Lorna’s Italian Kitchen. From our dependable customer service to our food, where we know quality and consistency is everything, Lorna’s continues to be much more than your local hole in the wall. Here I am, doing my part to welcome you to our restaurant, our family, and our tradition.
We hope to see you soon to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal, always, and for the next 40 years to come.
COME SHARE OUR STORY IN PERSON
