It’s been one year since Pete and Sam’s reopened after a kitchen fire almost put an end to this 71-year-old Memphis restaurant.

Just before the holidays in December 2017, Pete & Sam’s had a kitchen fire. The fire and smoke damage was so severe that the restaurant had to close. It couldn’t have come at a worse time of year as many families and groups of friends celebrate the holidays year after year over toasted ravioli, spaghetti and steaks at Pete & Sam’s. Longtime patrons such as myself were devastated by the thought that this institution might be gone forever.

We all breathed a sigh of relief when second-generation owners and brothers, Sam Bomarito Jr. and Michael Bomarito, announced they would reopen. It took about six months, but Pete & Sam’s reopened on May 21, 2018.

"To be honest, we are busier since we reopened,” said Sam when asked how business is one year later.

On any given night, the dining room is bustling with almost every table occupied. The clientele ranges from couples on a date night to large groups of families and friends.

That’s good news since the two brothers had to do extensive renovations to the restaurant their father, Sam Bomarito Sr., had started in 1948.

“We had to totally gut the restaurant,” Sam said.

The repairs included new wallpaper, carpet, ceilings and artwork. The restrooms got a long-overdue upgrade — something longtime customers appreciated. The kitchen was also remodeled. There’s even an Elvis room now.

One thing that strikes you as you enter the restaurant and look around — it’s different but yet it is still just like you remember before the fire.

“We wanted to keep the original ‘old school’ feel,” Sam said. “The restaurant still has a '60s feel to it.”

The brothers also added a full bar. For the first 69 years, Pete & Sam’s only offered set-ups. Guests had to bring their own wine and booze. Now you no longer have to brown bag it. Just behind the host stand, Sam and Michael carved out a bar and lounge that is comfy and has a retro feel. Martinis, a selection of wines, and draft beer are all available. If you still want to bring your own wine, you can — but there is a corkage fee.

Sam said the bar, which seats 34, has a busy happy hour. With $6 martinis from 4-7 p.m. on Mondays, it’s no surprise that the first day of the week has been nicknamed “Martini Mondays” by the staff and regular customers.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the Italian food that Memphians expect at Pete & Sam’s.

“The menu is pretty much the same,” Sam said.

All the favorites are still there. Spaghetti, toasted ravioli, lasagna, thin-crust pizzas, steaks and, of course, the famous Italian spinach and Miss Vita salad. And don't worry, you can still get a baby pizza as a side. If it has mushrooms on it, isn't it a vegetable?

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.

If you go

Pete & Sam’s

Where: 3886 Park Ave.

Hours: Open 4-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Phone: (901) 458-0694

Online: peteandsams.com

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