After a brief pause, the Stanley Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee & Commerce series made a warmly welcomed return this month, hosted fittingly by a local favorite-Martino’s Restaurante.
Business owners, Chamber members, and community leaders gathered for coffee, donuts, and conversation inside the cozy café, marking the first event since the series took a short hiatus. The morning buzz wasn’t just from caffeine — the room was filled with laughter, reconnection, and a strong sense of community renewal.
“I love being around people,” said Megan Junker, co-owner of Martino’s. Her energy and warmth set the tone for the event.
Megan and her husband, John Junker, recently purchased Martino’s from longtime owner Ron Haas, who also attended the event as an active Chamber member. For Megan, taking over the restaurant was more than just a business decision — it was a full-circle moment. A long-term Stanley resident, she was one of Martino’s original employees during her high school years before pursuing a career in nursing.
“It takes a toll on you,” Megan said, reflecting on her time in the healthcare field — a key reason she and John decided to take the leap into full-time business ownership. “We’re excited we’re here,” she added. “I’ve never been scared of work, I guess. And that’s why we were ready to take this on.”
John, a lifelong heavy equipment mechanic, brings his own hands-on expertise to the venture. “We’ve always done things pretty crazy, I guess,” Megan said with a smile. “We’ve kept it interesting.” And business is booming. “We’re busier than ever,” she said.
Martino’s isn’t the only project keeping the Junkers busy. Alongside owning Stanley Container Storage, they recently launched Onyx Oven — a 20-foot mobile pizza trailer renovated by John himself to expand Martino’s pizza offerings.
The trailer quietly debuted during Stanley’s Independence Day celebration and returned with fanfare on August 7 at the Broadway Home Farmers Market. “The community has been really, really overwhelmingly supportive,” Megan said. “We have a fantastic staff.” She credited the team at Martino’s as the reason they’ve been able to take on so much, agreeing that staff can make or break you.
That afternoon, Onyx Oven premiered a new specialty flavor — Hot Honey & Italian Sausage — invented by John. The sweet-and-spicy creation was a hit among marketgoers. “John is dreaming already of more ideas,” Megan laughed. “I keep telling her, higher, higher, higher,” John added.
The couple hopes to use Onyx Oven for weddings, catering events, and other community functions in the near future.
Back at the café, the Junkers have no shortage of plans to enhance the customer experience. The weekday lunch buffet is back! “It seems to be a hit,” commented Megan. Plans are also in motion for expanded parking, outdoor dining, and even a tiki bar. Food delivery and online ordering are also being explored.
“Buckle up,” John said with a grin.
Still, amid the new projects and big ideas, the heart of Martino’s remains unchanged. “People come here not just for the food,” Megan said. “It’s familiar, it’s safe.”
With bold flavors, fresh ownership, and a strong sense of community support, Martino’s — along with the revived Coffee & Commerce series — signals something special brewing in Stanley.
Martino’s Lunch Buffet Details:
• When: Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Ages 0–2: Eat free (drink not included)
• Ages 3–17: Pay your age (includes drink, salad, soup & pizza)
• Ages 18+: $17.99 (includes drink, salad, soup & pizza)
• Organic drinks are not included in buffet pricing
• Monday Special: Free breadsticks with purchase of large or jumbo pizza (dine in only)
• Wednesday Special: Seniors 65+ receive 10% off