The Venesian Inn- Jeff and Melissa Bowen

On this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we head to the legendary Venesian Inn in Tontitown. Before we get into that, wanted to make sure that you all know that we have cameras now and our podcasts are also on YouTube. Just search for the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas once there, and you’ll see me and my giant head talking to lovely folks.  Please be sure to live and subscribe, we’d VERY much appreciate it!

Well, we’re knee-deep into the winter storm... As of now, it doesn’t look like we’ll get above freezing until Friday, meaning that folks who depend on us to eat and drink at their establishments will be shut down for a few days. Please remember that when you’re able to go back out to eat and drink... they’ll need our support.

In Food News this Week:

• Casa Magnolia opens in downtown Springdale
• Slim Chickens celebrated their 22nd birthday, and there’s news on what they’re doing with their original location
• The Alamo Drafthouse won’t be coming to the Highway 112 Drive-In in Fayetteville afterall
• The Guisinger has one of the top 30 bartenders in the US. You’ll hear from him.
• A beloved Bentonville food truck is closing

The Venesian Inn was opened in 1947 by Germano Gasparotto in Tontitown, and a few years later, he sold it to John and Mary Granata. Several generations down the line, one of their great-grandson’s now runs it with his wife. You’ll meet Jeff and Melissa Bowen. They took it over right before covid with very little restaurant experience. They’ll tell you how they survived that.

Also, how hard is it to change the menu of a 78-year-old restaurant? The Bowen’s shuddered at that question...

Oh, and the Venesian Inn used to be just that, an Inn, and much more. Jeff used to run around in play in it.

We’ll talk about what’s still original to the restaurant AND we’ll talk menu, as well some new menu additions.

We’re at the Venesian Inn in Tontitown, next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.