Connect
To Top

Hidden Gems: Meet Lisa/ John Marciano of Lazy River Grill/Yellowstone Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa/ John Marciano

Hi Lisa/ John, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After a career working in the restaurant industry and mastering all departments, it was my passion to open my own restaurant. I saved my pennies and when I had the opportunity I started off on a small scale and opened an American bar and grill. As our business grew and became more successful it gave me the opportunity to open a second location.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course Covid was a big struggle for the hospitality industry, as a whole. Like many other restaurants we struggled to maintain staff and the inconsistency of our business is an ongoing issue. Unfortunately, you still hear everyday of local owned family restaurants shuttering. So we fight everyday to stay relevant and contribute to our local community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a comfortable, casual family restaurant in West County. We have two locations, Lazy River Grill, which has been open for 24 years and Yellowstone Cafe, which has been open for 29 years. One of the things that sets us apart is our extensive collection of fishing and hunting memorabilia that embellish the walls. The thing we are most proud of is that our restaurants have become a gathering place for our local communities. Over the years, we have watched kids grow and then bring in families of their own.
We strive to have fresh food, great hand-crafted cocktails, and service.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Family! Not just my immediate family, but the family we have built at both restaurants. At both locations, we have several staff that have been with us since the beginning. In addition, many of our customers have become an important part of our restaurant family.

Pricing:

  • Moderate price range
  • $.99 kids meals Tuesday thru Thursday with the purchase of an adult meal

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageSTL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories