Editor’s Note: The following interview with Mr. Shabani was written by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Ilmi Shabani is well-known in Whitewater as the owner of Jessica’s Restaurant. He and his family have nourished the community from Jessica’s for 33 years.
Born in Macedonia, Ilmi came to the United States at age 13, where he attended school in Illinois and learned English. He said, “I am more comfortable speaking English than Albanian.” He is fluent in English and Albanian and also knows some Macedonian and Spanish.
As a young man, he journeyed back and forth from Macedonia and eventually worked as a waiter in Chicago. The owner of the Chicago restaurant, Leonardo, had a home at Whitewater Lake, and Ilmi often visited with his family.
Leonardo told him, “You are capable to be on your own. You should start a business.” He decided Whitewater was the place to be.
He said, “Whitewater is a friendly town. Dave Kachel and Harry Leffingwell welcomed me and said it would be a great idea to start something here.” He opened Jessica’s with $400 of his own and a loan from Leonardo, which has long since been paid back.
Ilmi has traveled back and forth from Macedonia throughout his life. He met his wife there and had to leave her in Macedonia with his son and daughter for several years until they could file for amnesty in 1989. It took three years to be able to bring his family here. “I wanted a better life here,” said Ilmi.
At ages 6 and 7, Ilmi’s children attended Washington Elementary School, where the teachers and principal welcomed them. They learned English at the school. His youngest daughter was born here.
“This is my home. I am a part of Whitewater. I am committed to the downtown. I thank the community for all the support,” said Ilmi.
Ilmi is very grateful to his family and staff who stood by him and supported him. He said that the business suffered during the Pandemic. “I wouldn’t be here if not for them. We work together as a team.”
When he isn’t working, Ilmi enjoys planting his garden, raising chickens and spending time with his seven grandchildren.
“I worked 16 hours a day, seven days a week to be where I am today. I love work,” he said.
Ilmi’s son, Urim, is learning the business from his father, and will take over once Ilmi retires. “I am committed to Whitewater. My son is taking over but it’s hard to let go. I tell my son I will work until I am 92,” said Ilmi.
His dream is for his grandchildren to thrive in the United States, and he would love to have Jessica’s stay in the family for generations to come.
