Mancini's Char House & Lounge Named Minnesota Restaurant Association's Restaurant of the Year

publication date: Nov 20, 2007

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - November 20, 2007

St. Paul landmark Mancini's Char House & Lounge was selected by the Minnesota Restaurant Association (MRA) as the recipient of its first-ever Minnesota Restaurant of the Year award. The award was presented at the MRA's Holiday Party Monday, November 19, at the restaurant. About 250 restaurateurs and restaurant suppliers attended the event.

Mancini's started small. It was a 3.2 beer joint serving Italian sandwiches when it was founded by Nick Mancini back in 1948. Although Nick's mother served a little bit of food from a kitchen off the bar in the early days, it was 1965 before Mancini's developed into a steakhouse. Over the year's, Nick's steaks and hospitality made Mancini's a popular place for politicians, athletes and countless numbers of faithful customers.

Nick was inducted in 2005 to the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame and passed away May 29th of this year. But he successfully instilled a love of the restaurant business in his sons, Pat and John, who continue the Mancini tradition. Even more than 50 years later, Mancini's continues to be a destination for the multitudes of people whose lives have been touched by the hospitality and dedication of the entire Mancini family.

Their hospitality reaches far beyond the walls of the restaurant. Giving back to the community that has been the home to Mancini's for so many years is a very important facet of the business. In 1985, Mancini's implemented the Mancini's Sports Hall of Fame - founded with the purpose of honoring St. Paul athletes. And Mancini's has been a leader and major sponsor of the Serving our Troops organization, a group of St. Paul-based restaurants and other individuals with a "common interest in supporting those who put themselves in harm's way so that we may enjoy all that is great about our city and country."

The award was presented to the restaurant by David Cossetta of Cossetta's Italian Market & Pizzeria, just up West Seventh Street from Mancini's. "They are my family and they are your family," Cossetta said. Accepting the award on Mancini's behalf was Pat Mancini. Mancini gave special thanks to the staff. "When you spend some 30 years with some of the staff, you really get to know them and their lives," he said. "Our staff really has passion. They care and they understand the Mancini vision and the Mancini experience."

Pat said he remembered when his father died and other restaurateurs and industry leaders called and said they were willing to help out with the restaurant while he and his family tended to personal matters. He said it made him proud to be a part of the restaurant industry, an industry like no other.

Pat also gave special thanks to his mom, Mary Ann, who is recovering from an illness and could not attend the ceremony. "Mom has been that rock and foundation for us," he said. "This award is for her tonight. Thank you for being so loving, caring and gracious."

About the Minnesota Restaurant Association
The Minnesota Restaurant Association is a leading provider of lobbying, education and marketing to Minnesota restaurants and their suppliers. It is managed by and is part owner of Hospitality Minnesota, which also manages the Minnesota Lodging Association and the Minnesota Resort & Campground Association. Minnesota Restaurant Association membership includes restaurants and their suppliers. Based in St. Paul, the Association is served by a staff of 15. The Minnesota Restaurant Association and Hospitality Minnesota can be found on the Web at www.minnesotarestaurantsonline.com and www.hospitalitymn.com.