For Ken Haidaris, Warren isn’t just where he was born and raised, it’s where his heart has always been. A proud native of Trumbull County, Ken has dedicated to help the community grow and thrive. Whether through his role at the beloved Sunrise Inn of Warren, his involvement in the restoration of the Robins Theatre, or his ongoing efforts to strengthen downtown, his work reflects a love for his hometown and a vision for downtown.
“I was born and raised in Warren and Trumbull County,” Ken said. “I just wanted to contribute to making the area more successful.”
For generations, the Sunrise Inn has been more than just a restaurant, it’s been a local tradition. Known for its classic recipes, warm service, and legendary pizza, the Sunrise is a symbol of Warren and the Mahoning Valley pride. But for Ken, its success isn’t about the building or even the food, it’s about the people.
“The thing that makes the restaurant so successful is the people that work there,” he said. “It’s just a building without the people. We’re grateful for everybody that works here.”
The restaurant has become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. “It’s nice when people come back into town and say they have to come to the Sunrise Inn because there are memories,” Ken added. “And of course, they enjoy the pizza and the food.”
Beyond food, Ken has played a key role in revitalizing downtown Warren. When developer Mark Marvin approached him about restoring the historic Robins Theatre, Ken immediately saw the potential impact on the community.
“Mark approached me about the theater and restoring it,” he recalled. “The Downtown Development Group LLC did all the restoration, and he thought it was one of the final pieces in the puzzle, driving traffic back to the downtown area.”
Today, the beautiful restoration of Robins Theatre stands as a true symbol that coming together, things can change. This is just one of the many things that are now drawing more people to downtown Warren, providing entertainment and opportunity.
Through his years as a restaurateur and community leader, Ken has learned that success comes from collaboration. “Surround yourself with the smartest people,” he said. “Those are the folks that make you successful.”
Even during challenging times, Ken never lost faith, “I think staying in the area when times were tough and trying to improve quality of life and contribute to the economy means a lot to me,” he said. “It’s just one of the greatest places to live. There are many things to do, and it is very affordable.”
