Looking to restart the legacy and keep the tradition alive, Sean Veit has taken on the task of reopening a long-standing family restaurant right here in Jefferson City.
When Veit's restaurant closed in 2005, Sean wasn't in a position to take over the establishment owned by his father, Mike, which was originally started by his grandparents. For the past four years, Sean has searched for the perfect location, waiting for the opportunity to start up the restaurant.
Construction is in full force at the 2314 Lorenzo Greene Drive property, previously Moose Brothers. Veit is leasing the property from Reid Millard, an agreement four years in the making.
"I've got a vision for this place," Veit noted. "It is a combination of what Veit's looked like in the '40s and '50s, an old west saloon and the sports bar in the downstairs of Veit's."
Veit and Millard had talked for years about possible places for the restaurant, and when the Lorenzo Greene property became available, Veit knew it would work perfectly. Nestled off the beaten path in comparison to most restaurants in Jefferson City, Veit anticipates the location will work to his advantage.
He noted the quiet location, large flat parking area, and room for an outdoor patio/beer garden in the back. The entrepreneur hopes to host bands in the future as well, something his more remote location will allow without complaints from close neighbors.
To get the property to his liking, Veit has gutted the inside, replacing everything from lighting, flooring, doors and wall coverings. The only thing that will stay is the large bar, which is housed in the half of the restaurant to serve as a lounge/sports bar. The other half of the building will serve as the full-service restaurant. The outside of the building is also getting a new look, making the place more of what Veit had in mind for his new business.
A self-proclaimed "foodie," Veit said the restaurant will strive to make almost everything homemade. He will bring back the local favorites from his family's historic presence, including fried chicken, prime rib and clam chowder.
"I'm big on comfort food," Veit noted. He's also looking at new food items and ideas from restaurants across the country. He said some of the local favorites may end up on weekend specials, but will definitely be incorporated into his new menu.
Aside from the familiar foods, customers can look forward to seeing Veit's history lining the walls, as well as the parking lot. The iconic red gas pumps seen outside the original location have been kept and will be placed on the new restaurant's property.
"It's nostalgia. People remember those, so I'm bringing them back," the new owner explained.
Veit also plans to include old menus, posters, and other memorabilia from Veit's, along with nostalgia from shows and the "good old days" culture he's trying to emulate.
"A lot has gone by the wayside, but I'm all about tradition," he noted.
As the next generation of ownership, Veit will have his own twist on things, but he hopes his vision will do the family justice.
"I'm putting my life into this," he reminded.
Veit's Pub & Grill is expected to open in late June.
Accompanying photo: 1950s Viets Restaurant postcard
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