It's not every coney island restaurant that has an experienced chef behind the stove.

But that's exactly what Mark's Coney Island can boast of.

Owner Pashko Vulaj (the restaurant is named after his eldest son) has experience at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel and Somerset Inn in Troy before opening his own cozy Rochester Hills coney island.

But experience aside, in the end he really just wanted to have the freedom to do something on his own.

"It's an old cliche, but I'm my own boss with no one to answer to," Vulaj said. "By the same token, there are challenges, but I certainly like a challenge!"

Your corner diner

Located at the crossroads of Oakland County at the corner of Adams and Auburn roads, Mark's Coney Island has been a local favorite for more than four years. 

The staff knows regulars by name, and the regulars return staff greetings by name as well. 

"We have a devoted following with many of my customers," Vulaj said. "Customers come from miles around and tell me, 'I wish you were closer.' That's always nice to hear."

What inspires such devotion?

In a word, food.

"I make it so good for them — they like it, and they always come back," Vulaj said.

The menu features popular coney items, sandwiches, burgers, salads and a large breakfast menu. 

"I wanted to offer food that I think is good, and food that I know I can make good," Vulaj said.

And while the quality is high, the prices remain reasonable, with nearly everything on the menu under $8. Monday and Thursday are Coney Days with $1.25 coneys.

My favorite coney food is a Hani sandwich, so I was thrilled to see it on Mark's menu for $4.79. With a soft, warm pita and an abundance of chicken strips, it's easily the best Hani I've had since moving to Rochester Hills.

"My favorite thing to make is a dish that a customer really likes — the smile, the satisfaction — that's what makes it special for me," Vulaj said.

His favorite thing from the menu to eat is a little easier to pin down. It's the double bacon cheeseburger.

30 years, 7 days a week

Vulaj started in the food industry at age 18. Now 30 years later, he refers to himself as a career cook. 

"This job put two kids through college, bought my houses, cars, paid for vacations. There are a lot of transition people in the industry right now, but this is my career," Vulaj said. "I'm not 'here today, gone tomorrow.' My experience is behind the food."

Born in Montenegro, Vulaj came to America with his family in 1968. Like many, it was the auto industry that brought them; Vulaj grew up in Detroit.

"I like to bring my kids into the restaurant," Vulaj said. He has four kids, ages 11, 13, 22 and 26. "I think it's good for them to see the work, to see what it takes to have our life."

He's at the restaurant seven days a week and refers to himself as a bit of a micro-manager. 

"I'm always thinking about what I can do better. Whatever it takes."

Mark's Coney Island is at 3990 West Auburn, at the corner of Adams Road. Hours are Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 248-299-4006.