After months of speculation, the owner of a new restaurant set to open on Vine Street has finalized his plans.

George Plaku told Hays Post Friday he hopes Peter Mandys will open in the former K’s Diner, 3402 Vine, on this summer.

The menu will consist of a nontraditional blend of two traditional cuisines — Greek and Italian.

“People are really going to like it,” said Plaku, who will serve as chef as well as owner-operator. “It’s going to be a casual place with a menu that I believe is going to please my clientele. And the price is going to be affordable.”

Plaku currently is in the process of selling his interest in a Lincoln, Neb., restaurant to a business partner, but plans on making the move to Hays this weekend.

Hays was an attractive community for the restaurateur for many reasons.

“It’s a town that I believe is growing, it’s near the highway, the local economy seems to be doing well,” he said. “It’s a college town and definitely needs some different ethnic foods.

“People are really going to like it,” said Plaku, who has been a chef for more than 20 years.

He expects to employ about a dozen workers at the restaurant. Click HERE for more information on openings.

Peter Mandys will be the second restaurant to announce plans to locate in Hays recently. Click HERE for more on that restaurant and the accompanying shopping complex.