By JANET STOICA

This is the fifth in a series of articles about local immigrants and their lives in the United States, why they came, how they lived, and what their outlook is about this country.

Effie and Mihallaq Qeleshi emigrated from Albania to the United States in 2000 and 1999, respectively. They came because of our democratic government. They wanted to make a good life for themselves and their two daughters. Their daughters were schooled in Texas and locally in Worcester, specifically South High, as exchange students. 

Effie and her husband, Mihallaq, knew their goal was America from early on. Mihallaq’s father, Thanas Qeleshi, had been a prisoner of the Albanian government because of his strong beliefs and teachings of democracy. Thanas was a college history professor. He was also imprisoned for over fifteen years because of his democratic viewpoints. 

“After we had been living in America for six years, we learned about The Coffee Mug Restaurant’s impending sale. We ended up buying the restaurant from the original owners,” Effie said. “We used to own a brewery in Albania so we had knowledge of food supplies and the industry. I really enjoy cooking as well.” And, anyone who has visited The Coffee Mug for breakfast or lunch can easily judge that Mrs. Qeleshi is an expert at her food craft. 

“Of course, English did not come easy for us,” Effie said. “I attended Quinsigamond Community College to learn the language. I eventually took advanced English classes in reading and writing the language and obtained my certification. We also took the U.S. Citizenship Test and passed.”

After buying The Coffee Mug, the Mihallaqs gradually changed the menu and incorporated their own style of breakfast items. Their customers’ favorite breakfast choices?  Eggs Benedict, of which there are several excellent choices, and their popular stuffed French toast made with thick slices of Texas-style bread that are filled with jam and/or cream cheese. Lip-smacking delicious for sure.  Effie has received many top restaurant dining awards from the Chamber of Commerce for her cooking expertise. 

When Effie and Mihallaq initially purchased The Coffee Mug, they worked tirelessly with the help of their two daughters, Mariola and Adelajda. During COVID, The Coffee Mug was closed and, unfortunately, in 2019 her husband Mihallaq passed away. “I closed the restaurant to make renovations. We re-opened in August 2020. I have always been the main cook for seventeen years and I thoroughly enjoy it. I’m at my happiest when I’m cooking,” Mrs. Qeleshi stated. 

The Qeleshi family also had a claim to fame in 2008 when consumer advocate Ralph Nader came to Massachusetts for a political rally when he ran for president. “It was a very big thing for me,” Effie said. “He came here in the evening hours for a campaign rally and filled the parking lot with supporters. The Worcester paper featured us in their next edition. It was really a sight to see.”

Effie and her dear husband, Mihallaq, became U.S. citizens together in 2009 at what was considered the largest naturalization ceremony in the state at the time as it was held at Fenway Park in Boston. There were over 5,000 immigrants from 136 countries. President Barack Obama also delivered a message on Fenway Park’s giant video screen. Effie loved every minute of it. 

“My dream and my family’s dream was to come to America,” she said, “it’s not easy establishing yourself but with hard work you can get it done. We came here for liberty and freedom and we brought our children here for good schooling. I am so proud of our daughters and their families. Our daughters’ families are, Mariola and Scott St. Jean with their daughters, Jessica and Savannah, and Adelajda and Jani Tego with their daughters Brielle and Allison. They are the best.”

Effie has not returned to Albania and says the country has not changed all that much. “You’re either rich or poor,” she said. “There really isn’t any middle class but it’s such a beautiful country. When Albanians ask me if they should come to America, I tell them ‘you’re late, you should’ve left already.’ This is the best country in the world. Even with the economy and the politics, it’s still the best country in the world. Right now, I honestly feel that I was born here. When I wake up every morning, I tell myself I’m so grateful to be here. And, as long as I’m healthy, I’ll continue to work here and enjoy greeting and cooking for my wonderful customers. It’s so very important for me.”  

  

Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants.  Franklin D. Roosevelt

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