Tonanzio's: a unique experience

Rachele Kloppe, Corner Post staff

Photo by Rachele Kloppe  Tonanzio's used to be a barn. However, due to frequent renovations,  the building looks like any other country-style restaurant but with a  unique country twist.

Guthrie - Tonanzio's in the Country is an Italian restaurant and lodge with a twist. It's been here in Guthrie for 33 years but has also been located in other places, including Marathon, Fla., where it was called Tonanzio's by the Sea.

Tom Tonanzio said he started his business with his father's building, his own know-how and his sister's money. Soon, Tonanzio was offered a full scholarship to Michigan State University and a 75 percent scholarship to Cornell University, but turned them both down to attend MU.

Tonanzio was a student at MU in the early 1960s, before the Hotel and Restaurant Management program existed. In fact, MU made a special division in the College of Agriculture and the School of Business just to fit his needs.

Since college, Tonanzio's business has been in places such as New Florence, Fayette, Mexico, Mo., Centralia and on campus at Hannibal-LaGrange College, where he learned to work in a diverse workplace.

The people at these different locations helped Tonanzio learn his special recipes. One of these was a recipe for pizza, and Tonanzio was the first person to make and sell it at the Missouri State Fair.

The reason that Tonanzio's in the Country is now located in Guthrie is "because it's in the middle of the trinity," Tonanzio said. The "trinity" consists of Jefferson City, Columbia and Fulton, according to Tonanzio.

Tonanzio's in the Country is more than just food though. It offers various hunting and fishing experiences to the public, as well as summer camps for kids and a school of dance for all ages. It also raises and sells fish.

Tonanzio said he is a big fan of hunting and fishing and is a member of the Safari Club International Foundation and the Central Missouri Chapter of the Safari Club. Through his membership in these clubs, he is able to go on various trips and has been to Africa many times.

His interests are reflected in the restaurant's décor. Visitors can view a gallery of his wildlife collection. Tonanzio said these animals show his guests how his trips can be educational and exciting.

In fact, mounted fish and stuffed animals can be found in almost every room in the restaurant (there are several). Tonanzio showcases many of his own catches, and the displays are a source of great pride for him.

Photo by Rachele Kloppe  This is just part of the view of Tonanzio's wildlife collection gallery.  Most of the animals were stuffed where they were captured.

Tonanzio said he does not do this just for fun though.

"God gave man dominion over animals and a responsibility to leave them for another generation," Tonanzio said. He also said people should utilize animals and conservation to better populate the animal world.

Tonanzio's business covers the processing costs of animals that hunters are not happy with. Tonanzio then donates the meat to the Salvation Army and soup kitchens.

Tonanzio has a trailer full of stuffed fish and animals that he sends to schools to give children a better understanding of why conservation is important. He also offers Hunter Safety programs and wilderness schools for teachers to attend.

In 1994, 65 percent of the restaurant's main building, which used to be a barn, burned down. Tonanzio re-built around the ashes, and 23 days later the business re-opened.

Customers can also visit Tonanzio's in the Country for parties, banquets, retreats, weddings, anniversaries and rehearsal dinners.

Even if you are not impressed with its wildlife collection gallery, the Cedar Lake Lounge or the menu (which includes gator), the drive out is well worth it because the fall scenic drive is magnificent.

Story originally posted 10/16/02

Back to archives