ALL IN THE FAMILY
The next generation of Pardini’s forges ahead with a revamped venue and new bar.
In the Central Valley, the name Pardini’s is synonymous with hospitality. It’s not just the industry they belong to, but also at the core of the way this third-generation family business runs their operation. For 65 years, a legacy of innovation and outstanding service has defined their brand, and it continues with a newly renovated event venue and Fresno’s most buzzworthy new bar. “From inside and out, the entire venue has been refurbished with a clean, modern design,” says Co-Owner Jeff Pardini about the family’s newest iteration.
Upscale finishes and design elements such as hardwood floors, custom chandeliers, and imported stone have brought a vibrant new feel to Pardini’s, while soaring ceilings and lighter tones have brightened up both the interior and exterior. Elegant yet contemporary, standing in this setting feels as if you’ve been transported to a luxury hotel event space. Also, the technology inside Pardini’s has been updated to accommodate hosts with the best presentation equipment available to boot.
“We have upgraded each room with a new audio/visual system that includes built-in laser projectors with a drop-down screen,” says Jeff. Newly installed surround sound is ideal for live music and hosted programs, while various lighting options allow for creative juices to flow. The user-friendly automatic projector screens offer ease of entertaining and are a no-brainer for hosting corporate events. “Our design and technology upgrades really set the venue apart from any other in town,” says Jeff. “Our goal is to offer our existing clientele and entire community a state-of-the-art event space where they can host a wide variety of celebrations for years to come.”
Ever since patriarch Al Pardini started his various restaurant businesses in the 1950s, the family has offered their customers a top-notch experience, both in catering and in the restaurant sector. Al Pardini was behind most of Fresno’s preferred dining establishments in his heyday: The High Life, Town & Country, Cedar Lanes, Pardini’s Restaurants, and, of course, Pardini’s Cafe among them. On any day or night at their restaurants, you could find a mix of neighborhood families, the city’s power brokers, Westside farmers, ladies who lunched, and out-of-towners who had heard it was the best food in Fresno.
Al began catering services at his Cedar Lanes location around 1958, and it took off from there. Al’s son Jim Pardini officially established Pardini’s Catering in 1981, and they’ve been known to feed crowds, big and small, with some of the best fare in the country ever since. Pardini’s has long served The Fresno Convention Center, the entire Fresno State athletic department, and multiple venues throughout town, including their own at the corner of Shaw and Van Ness. Valley brides, non-profit organizations, corporate groups, and just about anyone throwing a party near Fresno have long flocked to their reliable, delicious food and bar offerings, along with their outstanding service.
Jim Pardini carried on Al’s legacy in the 1980s and has since brought his two sons into the fold. Jeff and Jimmy were born with their own passion for the food and hospitality business, as evidenced by the family’s latest endeavors. Nowadays, Jeff, with the help of Jim, oversees the day-to-day operations of Pardini’s Catering & Pardini’s Concessions. Jim remains instrumental at the corporate office and is always available for long-time clients, many of whom he calls close friends.
After elder son Jimmy cut his teeth under the guidance of famed L.A.-restaurateur Nancy Silverton, he brought his culinary chops and elevated Italian fare to the Valley with The Annex Kitchen (housed in the former Pardini’s Cafe location) and Annesso Pizzeria in Northeast Fresno.
It’s easy to imagine just how proud Al would be of his legacy and what the family has been able to accomplish again and again over the years, which includes maneuvering through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While events and in-restaurant dining were shuttered, many restaurants and catering businesses closed completely—but the Pardini men got creative, knowing their community would need an outlet for culinary experiences despite being (more-or-less) stuck at home. They began a robust takeout program, and even a gourmet market took root out of The Annex Kitchen, while an entirely new concept was cooked up in the parking lot outside.
As many in Fresno will remember, The Big Wagon food truck opened with a limited yet delicious menu as families pined for something different. People still talk about the tri-tip and fried chicken sandwiches, seasoned fries, signature spicy ranch, and the vodka-spiked frozen lemonades cleverly served in mason jars. The Big Wagon was a lockdown favorite for locals and another innovative hit.
Now with the refreshed Pardini’s space, the family is excited to show off its latest innovation to longtime customers and new ones alike. The footprint remains mostly the same, and clients will recognize the names of each room as they haven’t changed either—with the exception of the bar, now called “The Red Room.”
Formerly known as the Tuscan Room, the bar at Pardini’s is located toward the front of the building. Valley dwellers have created a multitude of memories in this bar—a fully stocked watering hole that has served the community well over the years. While the Tuscan Room was previously only offered for private events, except briefly as a COVID-era pop-up establishment called Al’s Bar, The Red Room is open to the public and will offer a speakeasy vibe where guests can get craft cocktails served up with the famous Pardini family hospitality.
The bar gets its name from the interior’s cardinal-hued décor—plush and sophisticated, with a modern twist. With a great location and a high-end atmosphere, Fresnans won’t want to miss out on a good night with friends, fresh libations, and friendly service The Red Room will come to be known for. “Our bartenders will have extensive spirit and cocktail knowledge and enjoy sharing that with our guests,” says Jeff. “This will be a place to have an experience, rather than to just go get a drink.”
Running the crew of bartenders and developing the beverage program at The Red Room will be seasoned mixologist Ryan Metcalf. Ryan has spent time as a bartender at The Annex Kitchen, 13 Prime, and, most recently, Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar in downtown Fresno. He brings a passion for craft cocktails and his years of experience to the Pardini’s team. “We wouldn’t be opening The Red Room without Ryan,” says Jeff.
Of course, The Red Room will be available to rent for private events, either as a stand-alone reservation or in conjunction with the greater Pardini’s venue. “We want the space to represent our company’s brand as a whole, which is always striving to improve the hospitality experience,” adds Jim.
Sixty-five years (and counting) of improving the hospitality experience for Fresno is only the beginning for the Pardini family. They envision carrying the torch for decades to come with even more growth in the catering and restaurant sectors in the future. After all, it’s in their blood.
Features Contributor Cece F. Quinn
Photographer Ellie Koleen
Ellie Koleen
Photographer
Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.
