Editor’s note: This is the second in a series on businesses that will be inducted into the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame on Oct. 19 at the Blair County Convention Center.

There’s an old saying that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “Lena was big on that,” said Jana Sidler, co-owner of Lena’s Cafe, 2000 Eighth Ave.

Lena’s Cafe will be one of five businesses that will be inducted into the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame on Oct. 19 at the Blair County Convention Center.

“We feel pretty good. We are honored and humbled by it,” Sidler said.

Lena’s was started in 1939 by Lena Rose Francis, who grew up on an East Freedom area farm, when she obtained a $500 loan to start her business at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 17th Street.

“Lena loved to cook,” said Sidler, her daughter-in-law. “She came from a family of produce farmers. Once she married (Pete Sidler), she moved from the farm and wanted to do something on her own.”

In the early days, Lena made sandwiches and spaghetti and meatballs for railroad workers.

The business moved to its present location in 1974.

Lena was involved with the business until 2000. She died from cancer on her 89th birthday in 2001.

Her twin sons Blaine – Jana’s husband – and Duane had joined the business prior to her passing.

Blaine became a partner after Pete died in 1972.

“Blaine came home from Vietnam to help Mom. He stayed there and fell in love with cooking. She taught him everything he knew,” Sidler said.

Duane joined the business after he retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in 1979.

“The two worked side by side. They both did some of the cooking,” Sidler said. “Duane did more of the management, floor work, book work and behind the scenes stuff. They equally shared the business. Never were both gone at the same time. Both knew how to do everything. Cooking was a passion for Blaine.”

In 1987, the facility was remodeled.

“We went from a 12-by-16 foot kitchen to 1,000 square feet. Seating increased from 50 to 90. Employment increased from 10 to 24 at the same time,” Sidler said. “Enlarging the kitchen made it more efficient and user friendly.”

Casey Higgins, Duane’s stepson and Jana Sidler’s partner today, started working at the business at the age of 13.

“He worked after school through high school and college, and worked weekends. Those were his humble beginnings. It was a family business. We all pitched in,” Sidler said. “In 1991, when Casey graduated from Penn State (he majored in finance), he went to work full time.”

Jana Sidler came to Altoona in 1985 and worked at the restaurant. A year later she obtained an art teaching position at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School.

“I would go in Friday and Saturday nights. That was the only way I was going to see my husband,” Sidler said. “I still go there every day after school. I work the floor; my husband used to do that. I help as much as I can, but I am not going to give up my day job.”

Lena’s Cafe still features Lena’s original recipes, but Blaine expanded the menu.

The biggest change in the business has been the loss of family members over the years.

After Lena’s death, Duane passed away in 2004, his wife Carol in 2008, and Blaine in 2013 – all from cancer.

Today, as in the beginning, Lena’s is best known for its spaghetti and meatballs.

“People still want the homemade spaghetti and meatballs. That is still our number one request. We have developed a reputation for our lasagna, stuffed shells and eggplant Parmesan,” Sidler said.

“Our claim to fame is the consistency of the sauce and meatballs. Every night, someone says ‘you have the best spaghetti and meatballs,'” Sidler said. “If you want homestyle cooking, this is where you should come. It is a generational business. We continue to feed the offspring of families who have been coming here for years.”

Longtime customers agree.

“I think anybody in Altoona that is looking for a great plate of spaghetti and meatballs, they won’t find a better place than Lena’s. They put out a great meal and they have a tremendous following,” said Altoona CPA Patrick Fiore. “When I have clients, I tell them let’s go to Lena’s for lunch for a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. It is a great place, and the food is awesome.”

“It is always homestyle Italian cooking, and you can’t beat it. I started going after I got married. I am not Italian, and I didn’t know what I was missing,” said Mike Frederick, president of Lawruk Machine and Tool Co. “I go there a lot for lunch and dinner. My favorites are veal Parm and eggplant Parm. I take all of my customers there.”

Providing personal service has been the key to Lena’ s success.

“People, over the years, have come because Lena made them feel like they were someone special when they come in to eat,” Sidler said. “The boys both had a personality that was right for the business. They made people feel special and always delivered a high quality meal. Everything was made from scratch with fresh ingredients,” she said.

“We also have to give credit to our staff. We have staff who have been here for 20 years or more. They retire from here. The people love them; they ask for their own waitress.”

Sidler is optimistic about the future of the business.

“I would like to think we will go for another 76 years. Casey has a family with children; who knows what will happen. We are very optimistic. We both want to see it succeed,” she said. “My husband said you don’t have to do it for me, to make it thrive, but I want it to thrive.”

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.