Interview with Lasinda Crane, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My husband, Jimmy, started in the restaurant business at the age of 15 at an Italian restaurant in Lakewood. Jimmy has always had a passion for cooking. Jimmy became the head chef at a previous Italian restaurant in Littleton for nine years and was taught some great things by the retired Sicilian chef there. I entered the restaurant world in 2000 when my best friend asked me to help her open a restaurant in Genesee with the owners. I became a server and fell in love with it. I worked at Outback Steakhouse in Highlands Ranch for four years. I took some time off with my second boy and throughout that time being at home, Jimmy was hired as a consultant to flip an existing Indian Restaurant in Castle Pines North into a steakhouse. Jimmy and I did this together and it became very popular very fast. Jimmy and I partnered with some friends in 2002 to open a restaurant in Green Mountain as well. Jimmy opened Bahama Breeze as a part of the management team, and also opened Brio Tuscan Grille in the Vistas of Park Meadows. Jimmy and I have been drawn to having our own place for many years, and we were finally able to see our dream come true.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: One thing we always say is we greet you with a handshake and it’s a hug after that. We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel like they’re walking into their own home for dinner or lunch. There is a cozy feeling about our place that makes guests want to be there. I try and greet every guest who walks in to welcome them — it’s very important to us that they know we are involved in every aspect. Jimmy is in the kitchen and I am in the front; we are a dynamic team that loves to make people happy with our passion for food and service. I personally respond to each and every Yelp review and send out a newsletter every week to more than 700 guests. I want our guests to feel special.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love that I get to wake up every day with a smile on my face and do what makes me happy: serve others. It’s sheer joy to do what you love — not many people get to do that.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is managing our personal time with restaurant time. We have three kids and a dog, and it’s very important that we disconnect when we’re not at the restaurant to do fun things with the kids, especially when they’re out of school.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Jimmy and I have been together for 21 years. I used to teach spin and core classes for four years at 24-Hour Fitness and drive a Zuma scooter in the summer.
Profile
Business: Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant
Address: 10047 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2013
Contact: 303-799-3661,
Employees: 12
