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Yacovelli’s Restaurant Celebrates 95th Anniversary
But another surprise announced,
Restuarant Will Close on Jan. 1, 2015
Yacovelli’s Restaurant & Catering – located in North County at 407 Dunn Road in Florissant, – and long-time meetring place for local organizations, is celebrating 95 years as a St. Louis institution during 2014.
As they close out this anniversary year in the restaurant industry, Yacovelli’s is planning several special events to thank their loyal customers and employees. Then, after 95 years as a St. Louis institution, Jack Yacovelli and his wife and co-owner Jan have decided to retire and will close the restaurant effective Jan. 1.
According to Jack Yacovelli, the third generation owner of the restaurant, “This has been a difficult decision, but after nine decades of running this successful restaurant business in multiple locations around the St. Louis region, the family felt the time was right to close out this chapter and enjoy retirement.” According to Jan, “After working long hours, nights, weekends and holidays, it is time for us to enjoy their nine grandchildren and a new one on the way.” They see lots of babysitting, ball games, and family dinners in their future.
The Yacovelli’s name is one of the oldest in the St. Louis restaurant business. Founded in 1919 by Jack’s grandfather John Yacovelli, it has operated as a family business, “our family serving yours”.
John Yacovelli came to this country in 1911 from San Salvatori, Italy. His most famous restaurant was across from Washington University. Upon his retirement in 1950, his son Dewey Yacovelli started his own restaurant on Big Bend Road in Kirkwood, Missouri. Current owner Jack Yacovelli joined the family business at age 14, and worked with his father Dewey until Jack and his wife, Jan, took over in 1977 at their present location in Florissant.
All of Jack and Jan Yacovelli’s children have worked in the restaurant while growing up, including their youngest son, Joe, who is the current general manager.
Jack Yacovelli notes, “We are very proud of the fact that our own children grew up and worked in the restaurant business.” He adds, “We think our grandfather would be proud that our fourth generation helped to carry on his fine traditions through to the 21st century.”
Jan said, “These last ten years with Joe as our general manager have made us so proud! The customers love him and will probably miss Joe more than Jack and me. Joe works hard and loves life, and the three of us have made quite a team!” Joe and his wife Kelly are starting their own family with a baby due in November.
Yacovelli’s plans to close out their 95 year run with the following events and promotions:
– “95 Days of Specials” –Yacovelli’s will be offering a daily special.
– “Thanks Giving” Food Drive – Yacovelli’s will be hosting a week-long “thank you to our community” food drive for TEAM (The Emergency Assistance Ministry) – a food pantry located in Florissant.
– “Last Chance/Last Dance” Event – on Saturday, December 27th, Yacovelli’s will host their “last hurrah” dinner/dance, and will offer an anniversary menu and other special surprises for their loyal patrons, friends and family.
– New Year’s Eve– ring in the New Year and mark the passing of a St. Louis dining tradition with the Yacovelli family.
Jan Yacovelli notes, “We’ve been blessed with so many loyal customers and staff members who feel like family over the years, and we’re hoping they will be able to join us as we count down our last 95 days in business.”
For more information about their 95th Anniversary plans, the retirement of owners Jack and Jan Yacovelli and the closing of their restaurant, contact Jan Yacovelli at 314-839-1000 or via email at yacovellis@yahoo.com.
Additional details will also be announced on their website, www.yacovellis.com and on the restaurant’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/Yacovellis-Restaurant-Banquet-Center.
