ST. LOUIS — A restaurant that claims to be the historic Hill's oldest in operation is under new ownership, the restaurant said in a press release Monday afternoon.
Rigazzi's, which first opened in 1957, was purchased by Corey Christanell and Donn Ganim. Christanell previously spent 20 years as a senior advisor to the CEO of Anheuser-Busch and is currently the CEO of St. Louis cannabis brewing company Monarch Supply Co., while Ganim is an owner of several salons and Jeremiah's Restaurant and Lounge in Cape Girardeau. The previous owner and operator, Joan Aiazzi, took over the business after her late husband, Mark, died in 2013.
Christanell also has a nostalgic connection to The Hill and Rigazzi's specifically. He said he grew up working at "Mama" Toscano's Ravioli, a now-closed Hill restaurant that was previously owned by his grandparents. Their family's ravioli recipe was one of the first items of Rigazzi's menu and remains there today.
“As someone who grew up in South St. Louis and still has deep ties to the community on The Hill, I felt it was important that Rigazzi’s would remain a part of St. Louis for the next generation and beyond," Christanell said in a release announcing his ownership of the restaurant. "We will honor the rich history of Rigazzi’s while evolving to meet the exciting new growth and energy taking place on The Hill."
Christanell and Ganim have hired Joe Herbert to serve as the restaurant's general manager. Local restaurant consultant Greg Hard will also evaluate the existing menu while exploring new offerings. However, Christanell said dishes and drinks that Rigazzi's has come to be known for aren't going anywhere.
“Don’t worry, the Fishbowls aren’t going anywhere,” Christanell said. "Before I was the owner, I was a long-time customer. I know what makes Rigazzi’s special, and we’re not looking to change that.”
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