Home-style food, friendly ambiance in Hampshire

For the tasty, home-style food that's just like Grandma used to make, stop by the Rose Garden Family Restaurant on the corner of State Street and Jefferson Avenue in downtown Hampshire.

Owned and operated by the father-and-son team of Sam and Tony Azizi, the restaurant features dinner specials every night of the week and an unbeatable breakfast buffet every Saturday and Sunday.

Though the Azizis took over ownership of the Hampshire restaurant just five years ago, their experience in the restaurant business goes further back. Sam Azizi has been in the restaurant business for the past 39 years and brings with him a following of patrons who enjoyed coming to see him when he owned Two Brothers restaurant on Lillian Street in Elgin.

"We still get a lot of people from Elgin," Sam Azizi said.

The Rose Garden is a favorite spot for retirees who enjoy a good breakfast during the week, and for businessmen and construction workers on their lunch break. A comfortable, well-lit atmosphere and a friendly staff are among the reasons people choose to dine at Rose Garden again and again.

The restaurant also is family-friendly.

"We treat families like we treat our own," Tony Azizi said.

Rose Garden boasts a variety of selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From low-calorie options such as fish, chicken, salads and sandwiches to hearty steaks and pasta dishes, there is something on the menu for everyone.

Patrons can choose from a 12-ounce center-cut New York strip steak for $12.95 or tender veal cutlets for $6.95. Chicken or veal Parmesan comes served on a bed of spaghetti or mostaccioli with sauce and garlic bread for $7.75.

"We have a big menu for all types of appetites," Tony Azizi said.

On Fridays, the restaurant features fish including haddock, tilapia, perch and shrimp. The specials alternate as the seasons change and range in price from $7.25 to $9.50 per meal.

The Rose Garden seats as many as 134 people and is often at capacity for the weekend breakfast buffet. With morning favorites such as pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham on the bone and fresh fruit, the buffet at $8.49 per person is a crowd-pleaser.