No Stoppin' the Stop'n Café

By Phile Wayne
Staff Writer

March 16 -- The day after Mano "Michael" Yermian's 60th birthday, he sat in his cafe and reflected on how far he has come in the 17 years since people laughed at his plans for a new restaurant and told him, "In a couple of months, you'll be bankrupt."

Far from penniless, Yermian is doing just fine. In fact, he's even considering opening a second location for the Stop'n Cafe, one of the most enduring businesses on the Third Street Promenade.

Yermian has withstood the challenges of religious persecution, relocation to a new country, and adjustment to strange customs and different sensibilities, emerging as a successful businessman with a new life.

Mano "Michael" Yermian (Photo by Phil Wayne)

"When I started, everybody was laughing at me," Yermian said. "It was a challenge," but he explained, "I am a fighter."

Yermian fought to create a better life for himself and his family when conditions in his native Iran became dangerous for non-Muslims after the 1979 Islamic revolution that overthrew the Shah.

While Yermian practices a faith that espouses peace and equality for all ­- "it doesn't matter if you're American, African or Persian" -­ the less-than-inclusive attitude of Islamic fundamentalists in Iran forced him into the difficult decision to leave the country in 1980 and make a new beginning elsewhere.

After coming with his family to Los Angeles, he worked in the restaurant business for a while before trying his hand in the car business. But Yermian felt that the restaurant trade was a more natural fit, and he returned to it.

When a storefront opened up on the Promenade in 1988, Yermian, a stylish man with an international air, sensed an opportunity. He suspected that this was a spot with good potential and opened his restaurant.

His instincts were good. Soon afterwards, what was then the Santa Monica Mall began its storied transformation into the Promenade and the Stop'n Cafe ­- which specializes in Greek food ­- found itself smack dab in the middle of one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Near the heart of the Wednesday Farmers Market and such well-known businesses as Adidas and Victoria's Secret, the restaurant is well situated.

But while Victoria may have a secret, the word appears to be out about Yermian's restaurant, which holds an allure of its own, attracting many employees of local businesses, some of whom come "seven, even ten, times per week," he said.

Why a cafe that specializes in Greek cuisine? "We love Greek food," he explained, pointing out that, while he comes from Iran, his "background is Greek."

Running a restaurant on one of the world's busiest pedestrian walkways is perfect for Yermian. "I love to be somewhere where it's very active," he said. "That's the reason I'm working seven days a week -­ breakfast, lunch, dinner."

He relishes the diversity of the Promenade, the "different people, young, old, different cultures."

Yermian has clearly embraced American culture, as evidenced by the myriad posters of American icons that adorn the cafe walls -­ Sinatra, James Dean, Dean Martin. In his spare time, he often listens to jazz (when he's not tapping his toes to Greek music).

"The American people feel like a brother to me," he said, noting that upon arrival to the country, the people "welcomed us," and "we appreciated that."

His love for diversity is tested, however, when it comes to the homeless who frequent the area. "If the city could do something about them, it would be the best thing."

That said, he went on to note that he loves the Promenade and the Santa Monica area, which has been home to his family for 25 years.

As the music wafts from the restaurant speakers and patrons carry on with their animated lunchtime conversations, Yermian works the crowd, addressing longtime customers by name.

Even his staff has staying power, he said, noting that the chef has worked there for 11 years and the manager "almost twelve years."

After serving gyros, souvlaki and musaka, a waitress takes a moment from her rounds to give Yermian a hug and a smile. "I like to make it a good atmosphere, fun," he said.

What advice does he offer to others starting a new business? "Work hard in an honest way" and, "every day, improve yourself."

He practices what he preaches. "Improvement is one of the keys to my success," he said, adding, "Everyday is a new day for me to learn more."

The Stop'n Cafe is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to midnight, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at 1237 Third Street Promenade, 310.395.1932.