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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