With 28 and a half years of experience, Jolene Dillenmuth feels pretty confident in opening her first restaurant.

“I’ve got an extensive background in food service and cooking,” she said.

Monday, her new business, Dillan’s restaurant will open for lunch and dinners at the Budget Host Inn on Main Street in Albert Lea.

Dillemuth got the idea to open her restaurant when the opportunity to rent out the space at the Budget Host Inn came up six months ago. Last month she signed the lease and soon after she was preparing to pursue her dream.

After being in the restaurant business for almost three decades and having grown up with parents owning restaurants, Dillemuth said the business is in her blood.

Her experience shows. The menu at Dillan’s serves to all tastes with steak, pork, sandwiches, poultry, seafood, and pasta. There is also a soup and salad bar.

Dillemuth hopes the menu will cover all tastes, but also hopes the restaurant be inviting to all.

“I want people to be able to feel comfortable here,” she said. “Whether they are wearing a suit and tie or their blue jeans. I want to make everyone feel welcome.”

Leasing the restaurant space at the Budget Host also means Dillemuth will be catering at the motel for large parties of up to 300 guests. Specializing in weddings, she has great experience in catering. She spent her last 14 years at the Days Inn doing just that.

Dillemuth hopes that Dillan’s will be a good fit.

“I think the community needs another place like this,” Dillemuth said. “We have enough fast food in town. I think this place will provide a nice, upscale atmosphere. Most importantly though, I just want it to be a place where people can come to have a great meal.”