"I am doing more advertising and having more special events to draw people in," Azad says.

On Jan. 13, the new owner says the bar had one of its largest crowds. "There were so many new people; it was wonderful," he says.

But increasing the restaurant's exposure is one of the only things Azad plans to change, which is good news to Effie's many regular customers.

"I have talked to more than a thousand people in the last two weeks , and I have assured every single one of them that I am not changing anything," he says. "I am keeping the same decorations and the same menu items and prices. And every single staff person is staying in the same position as before."

With his "It's working, why change?" position firmly established, Azad is planning to make some additions to Effie's menu and keep things hopping in the bar with live music on the weekends.

"I will be adding items to the menu but will never take anything off," he says. "And I will keep karaoke Tuesday through Saturday, but add more occasions where we have live music playing."

Azad heard through a friend of former owner George Skylass that Skylass was looking for a buyer. He jumped at the chance to get back into the restaurant industry.

"I first started working in restaurants in 1987, and although I have worked in a variety of other industries, I have always come back to the restaurant business because I like interacting with people," Azad says. "The main reason I liked Effie's was the staff. They are very customer-oriented, and that quickly got my attention."

Michelle Meeks, who was born and raised in Campbell, has worked as a waitress at Effie's for the past 11 years.

"I have always been happy here and don't want to go anywhere else. We have always had a family-like camaraderie," she says. "Plus, I love my customers."

Estella Horsager has worked at Effie's for seven years.

"The atmosphere is great. Many people come here and stay for hours because they feel at home," she says. "I know all the regulars by name."

Besides the customers, Horsager and Meeks rave about the food.

"We have the best breakfast," says Meeks, who adds that the eggs Benedict is outstanding and recommends the country benedict as a creative alternative.

"It's biscuits, poached eggs, bacon and country gravy," she says.

The extensive menu, which seems to have a little bit of everything, ranges from hearty home-style breakfasts to sandwiches and burgers to pasta, veal, prime rib and seafood dishes.

Horsager, who even comes in to eat on her day off, says one of her favorite menu items is the patty melt, although she adds that Effie's pork chops are the best in town.

"I have gone everywhere to eat and keep coming back here," she says. "My husband won't go anywhere else."

One of the reasons for the great food at Effie's is Ramon Gomez, head chef for 25 years. His favorite menu items include beef stroganoff, lamb shanks and steak and lobster.

In addition to the staff, Azad says the regulars at Effie's are the best customers he has ever had.

"The customers here are so supportive and very good people," he says. "They ask me what they can do for me and I ask what can I do for them. They really want to see me succeed."

For Valentine's Day, Effie's offers a special package. For $75, a couple can select two entrees (lobster excluded), two soups or salads and one dessert. In addition they will receive unlimited champagne, a rose and a photo to commemorate the evening. Live music will be played from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required.

Effie's is at 331 Hacienda Ave. For more information call 408.374.3400.