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Extending the Olive Branch
Couple finds calling in restaurant business, makes use of remodeled church
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By Ra'Vae Edwards
redwards@newstribune.com
GRAVOIS MILLS, Mo. - Providing a menu of fine cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere are the two most important goals for Brad and Jean Vold, owners of the Olive Branch Restaurant here.
Although they officially opened the doors 16 months ago, the Volds have more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant business.
“This place has always been a work in progress,” Jean said. “Every time someone comes in, they notice something different and that's the way we like it.”
The Olive Branch Restaurant is unique in a number of ways. Built in 1951, the building was the home of St. Patricks Catholic Church until 1977. When the church built its new location in Laurie, about six miles away, the doors were closed and the building sat empty for several years.
“We had an eye on this building for a long time,” Brad said. “Another man beat us to it a couple of years ago and opened up a steak house. Unfortunately, his health went downhill and he had to close the doors after a year. When the building was put back on the market, we jumped at the chance.”
Spending only a couple of weeks redecorating, Jean said she already knew how she wanted the inside to look.
“I wanted to give people a nice, comfortable and peaceful atmosphere where they can enjoy a nice meal,” Jean said. “We have had people tell us how calm they feel when they are here, which means we accomplished what we set out to do.”
When deciding how to lay out the restaurant, Brad and Jean both said they wanted to use the religious theme. Since the days of Noah, the olive branch has carried a message of hope and peace, so they decided to stick with that theme.
“That is basically how we chose the name Olive Branch Restaurant,” Jean said. “We wanted it to be more than a restaurant. We wanted it to be a gathering place like it was when it was a church.”
The dining area is split into three sections - the vineyard, the angel room and the wine cellar. Each room is decorated to suit its name with colorful wall decor and matching statues.
The stained glass windows are still in place, and they help enhance the atmosphere.
“People have said how much they love the stained glass windows,” Jean said. “I think they work very well with the decor and the atmosphere benefits from them, too.”
Although the restaurant does not offer catering, the Volds will prepare a room to meet the needs of their customers.
“If someone wants to have a wedding dinner here or a bridal shower, most of the time they want the angel room,” Jean said. “It's basically whatever the customer wants, we try to provide.”
To add to the peaceful atmosphere, pianist Richard Carr often performs in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m.
“If you've never had the opportunity to listen to Richard play the piano, you should come in and enjoy it,” Jean said.
“He is a wonderful pianist and his music adds a lot to the restaurant.”
The menu is made mainly of Italian cuisine, with chicken and steak featured as well.
“We try to keep a menu of what we think our customers will enjoy,” Brad said. “We're probably better known for our fried spaghetti, but not all people enjoy Italian as much as others. So, we've tried to keep the menu pretty versatile.”
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Although reservations are not required, they are suggested.
“We fill up nearly every night and especially on the weekends,” Jean said.
“Although we don't require our customers to make reservations, it could be helpful to them in order to make sure they have a table when they get here.
“It's not unusual to have people lined up and waiting all the way out to the parking lot.”
For more information about the restaurant, call (573) 372-2090.
Web links
www.olivebranchatthelake.com
Although they officially opened the doors 16 months ago, the Volds have more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant business.
“This place has always been a work in progress,” Jean said. “Every time someone comes in, they notice something different and that's the way we like it.”
The Olive Branch Restaurant is unique in a number of ways. Built in 1951, the building was the home of St. Patricks Catholic Church until 1977. When the church built its new location in Laurie, about six miles away, the doors were closed and the building sat empty for several years.
“We had an eye on this building for a long time,” Brad said. “Another man beat us to it a couple of years ago and opened up a steak house. Unfortunately, his health went downhill and he had to close the doors after a year. When the building was put back on the market, we jumped at the chance.”
Spending only a couple of weeks redecorating, Jean said she already knew how she wanted the inside to look.
“I wanted to give people a nice, comfortable and peaceful atmosphere where they can enjoy a nice meal,” Jean said. “We have had people tell us how calm they feel when they are here, which means we accomplished what we set out to do.”
When deciding how to lay out the restaurant, Brad and Jean both said they wanted to use the religious theme. Since the days of Noah, the olive branch has carried a message of hope and peace, so they decided to stick with that theme.
“That is basically how we chose the name Olive Branch Restaurant,” Jean said. “We wanted it to be more than a restaurant. We wanted it to be a gathering place like it was when it was a church.”
The dining area is split into three sections - the vineyard, the angel room and the wine cellar. Each room is decorated to suit its name with colorful wall decor and matching statues.
The stained glass windows are still in place, and they help enhance the atmosphere.
“People have said how much they love the stained glass windows,” Jean said. “I think they work very well with the decor and the atmosphere benefits from them, too.”
Although the restaurant does not offer catering, the Volds will prepare a room to meet the needs of their customers.
“If someone wants to have a wedding dinner here or a bridal shower, most of the time they want the angel room,” Jean said. “It's basically whatever the customer wants, we try to provide.”
To add to the peaceful atmosphere, pianist Richard Carr often performs in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m.
“If you've never had the opportunity to listen to Richard play the piano, you should come in and enjoy it,” Jean said.
“He is a wonderful pianist and his music adds a lot to the restaurant.”
The menu is made mainly of Italian cuisine, with chicken and steak featured as well.
“We try to keep a menu of what we think our customers will enjoy,” Brad said. “We're probably better known for our fried spaghetti, but not all people enjoy Italian as much as others. So, we've tried to keep the menu pretty versatile.”
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Although reservations are not required, they are suggested.
“We fill up nearly every night and especially on the weekends,” Jean said.
“Although we don't require our customers to make reservations, it could be helpful to them in order to make sure they have a table when they get here.
“It's not unusual to have people lined up and waiting all the way out to the parking lot.”
For more information about the restaurant, call (573) 372-2090.
Web links
www.olivebranchatthelake.com
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