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Ron Largent: Granzella’s is open and ready
For those of us who had eaten at Granzella’s Restaurant and Deli in Williams, the news last October that the restaurant had burned to the ground in an afternoon electrical fire was hard to believe.
We were absolutely shocked, stunned and saddened. “Are you kidding?” was the question most asked when the story got around, because the 1976 landmark establishment was one of those you thought was invincible.
The restaurant was destroyed in the fire but, fortunately, many of the various collectibles were saved, including antiques and the deer and elk heads in the sports bar section. Shortly after the fire, owners Jim and Bev Granzella announced that they would rebuild. Hope was restored.
For six months during the rebuilding project the restaurant relocated across the street from the original building and served a limited menu. We were all assured, though, that the famous menu and deli that made the restaurant so popular would reopen in the summer.
Two weeks ago the New Granzella’s opened, and it is as good as the original and maybe even better.
It certainly feels bigger. They have expanded the front patio area, making it a perfect place to wait to eat or relax after the meal. There’s plenty of shade and conversation, judging from the looks of the crowd there at 3 p.m. one day last week. The entrance with the famous double doors is a replica of the original, and as you enter the restaurant, the deli area has been expanded to about twice the original size. The main restaurant
has the same floor plan as before, but everything is new (although the décor makes it look “old”).
The olive tasting bar has been moved to a larger area, and the olive sales area has been expanded. The “general store” ambiance is still very much present.
The delicious-looking bakery area is much larger, as is the gift store, but again, it looks like the design and floor plan of the original store.
In the back of the building is the huge sports bar, which has also been expanded. The original was very much the “place to go” to watch Monday Night Football in Colusa County.
The menu for the restaurant is the same, the décor is the same, and the “down-home atmosphere” with the smiling and helpful waitresses and staff is just about as nice as could be.
It’s a delightful place to have a meal, a snack, a dessert or even a soda in the sports bar.
If you have not been to Granzella’s in downtown Williams, you have missed a Northern California classic, and you should make it a must as you travel Interstate 5. For those who have been there, it is open and ready for you.
You’ll really enjoy the new Granzella’s. It’s a winner.
Ron Largent is a Realtor, business owner and longtime Redding resident. He can be reached at ronlargent@yahoo.com or ronlargent.yourkwagent.com.
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I’ve eaten at Granzella’s more than a few times. On each of my visits the attitutde of the wait staff and the overall quality of the food left a lot to be desired. In my opinion, Granzella’s is overrated.
For my buck the real deal in Williams is Louis Cairo’s bar and Italian style restaurant around the corner on 7th street. They serve pasta, steaks and everything inbetween. And if you like garlic you’ll never find anything quite like their Louis’ Bread. Next time you’re in Williams check it out.
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We had occasion to stop there last Saturday and did have lunch. The place looks new and fresh, but
I agree, the restaurant menu is the same and the food is so-so. The deli sandwiches are good, though.
I must say the new gelato bar is fantastic.
I have heard before that Louis Cairo’s is hard to beat. We will try it next time we drive through the area.
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If you are looking for fancy food, Granzella’s is not the place for you. Williams is a small town and Granzella’s is it’s biggest employer. Their food is good. The service is great and the shopping is interesting. We never take a trip down I-5 that we don’t stop at Granzella’s. We usuallly need their fabulous frozen raviolis and sauce, and I always find things I want. We have never had a bad meal there in the 30+ years that we have been going. They cater to travelers who are usually in a hurry to get back on the road and to the locals.
We did go to Louie Cairo’s once and never went back. The service was poor and my salad had lettuce that was all brown around the edges. Granted, it was a long time ago, and we may have been there on an off day….but as a foodie, it sticks with you and you just never go back. Since I saw some good comments here, we will certainly give Louie’s another try.
We are so happy the Granzella family was able to move quickly….as Mr. Granzella was quoated as saying a few weeks ago….”Everyone, the city, county and state got out of our way so we could go ahead and build”. Way to go!
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There are times when I want to respond with “if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.”We all have our opinions and I have enjoyed Granzella’s for many years .In recent years I have have come to believe constant negativity is debilititating.
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We have been going to Granzella,s now for years at Christmas time to meet up with our family that lives in the bay area. aiT IS ALWAYS A FUN OCCASION TO GO AND NOW THAT IT IS REBUILT IT WILL BE EVEN MORE FUN. wEDON,T CARE IF THE FOOD IS FANCY OR NOT . wE GO BECAUSE IT IS A MEMORY -MAKER FOR US.
tHE FAMILY JUST KEEPS GROWING AND WE KEEP MORE SEATS EVERY YEAR. fUN fUN fUN !!
jIM AND kATHIE rOBERTS
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