Martino’s finds business with drive-thru during pandemic

A Vermilion restaurant that took inspiration from the International City has found increased success with its drive-thru window, carry-out option during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Martino’s International Cafe, 4415 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, has served up dishes from all around the world since 1996.

The restaurant originally opened as International Tastees four buildings down, where Jim’s Pizza Box currently is housed.

Lorain native Jim Trinter said he grew up in Lorain and was inspired by what a success so many foods from so many different cultures and countries were during Lorain’s annual International Festival.

“I saw how popular chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage, the gyro, egg rolls were,” Trinter said.

Trinter’s restaurant now has a lengthy menu including Italian, German, Mediterranean and Mexican food with meal options for anytime time of day, from omelets and crepes to wraps and burgers, among many others.

“I play up the international theme,” he said. “We’ve got breakfast, lunch

and dinner from around the world.”

Other popular options include bratwurst and sauerkraut, pierogis, English fish and chips, homemade soups, perch from Lake Erie and prime rib specials every Saturday.

With this wide variety of options, Trinter said it’s difficult to choose a particular dish or food that’s most popular.

“They’re all favorites, to be honest,” he said. “Everyone has their own taste.”

The restaurant also grounds its own meat for its hamburgers, Trinter said.

Key to the business has been its drive-thru window, which allows customers to call ahead and pick up their orders without leaving their cars.

Trinter said that has been an asset during the pandemic, with many people still apprehensive to eat inside due to risk of spread and infection of COVID-19.

The restaurant was able to break close to even for one of the first times this year, until Lorain County dipped back a couple of weeks ago into a Level 3 red alert advisory, he said.

Those who order catering, also can pick up their orders through the window.

Martino’s often caters for doctor’s offices and hospitals like Fisher-Titus, department stores like Giant Eagle and a host of different Christmas parties.

Through it all, Trinter said his staff is vital to his business staying afloat, adding that they miss seeing many of their regular customers.

“My employees are the backbone of this place,” he said. “They make everyone who comes in feel like family.”

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL Martino’s International Cafe staff peak out the restaurant’s drive-thru window at 4415 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion. The restaurant has had its dining rooms open for the past few months and is still seeing a steady flow of carry-out orders.

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL Martino’s International Cafe, 4415 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, has had its dining rooms open for the past few months and is still allowing carry-out through its drive-thru window.