Diana Griffis, a former manager at Genova Italian Restaurant in Newton, will bring experienced savor to McPherson’s Main street with her own Italian eatery, Ristorante Italiano di Famiglia. Griffis said she has had plans of starting her own restaurant ever since coming to Kansas nearly three years ago, a dream that will come true on Oct. 12. She said she believes McPherson is ready for a new offering.

“The biggest demand (for a restaurant), even more than Wichita, was in McPherson,” Griffis said. After searching for the perfect spot, Griffis looked into the former Delish location at 204 N. Main St. and knew it was meant to be. “It’s so pretty in here; we love it,” Griffis said. “I walked in and I was like, ‘it’s time.’ ” Cassandra Roberts, who is partnering with Griffis in the venture, is also bringing her years of experience at an Italian restaurant in Leavenworth to the table.