WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - After nearly nine decades, Club Pheasant is permanently closing their doors. In 1935 Pete Palamidessi Sr. bought the building of a former speakeasy and turned it into a restaurant. Originally called the Hideout Cafe, the family restaurant served steak sandwiches as their most popular dish.

In 1946, the Hideaway Cafe was sold to family member John Rivera and eventually Club Pheasant became the family Italian Restaurant that has become a historic icon with loyal customers that have become a second family to the Palamidessis. In fact, customers not only expected, but looked forward to a visit to their table by a member of the Palamidessi family, each and every time they dined there.

“We’re thankful for the support that the West Sacramento community has given us. We are also thankful for the City of West Sac to buy us out. It’s really important because we wanted someplace for our people to go,” said Pete Palamidessi Jr. in a phone interview on Monday, December 5th.

“It’s sad for us, but it’s time,” said Pete. The Palamidessi family posted the following message online as well:

“To our Club Pheasant family and friends, to say it’s been an honor being a part of your lives the past 87 years would be an understatement. Being able to celebrate your weddings, birthdays, retirements, baby showers, holidays and lives – has been one of the biggest joys for us! Second only to the pride we feel knowing we were experiencing these things with multiple generations of our family working side by side to serve you.

“The last few years have been tough for many people and businesses. Through it all, Club Pheasant has been supported day after day by an outpouring of community love, support and understanding. What we, the Palamidessi family, have been reminded of the last few years is that family is still the most important thing of all. Life is short, and although being able to serve you and your families has been one of our life’s biggest blessings, we realize it’s time to retire and give time to our own families as well.

“Thank you, our amazing customers, it’s been a pleasure to serve you for the past 87 years. Thank you also to our loyal staff. Many of whom have been a part of our family business for multiple decades. Your dedication, hard work and support has helped us through many storms. We could not have accomplished any of this without you.

“Our last day of full lunch and dinner service will be Thursday, December 8th. We will be open for appetizers and cocktails on December 9th at 1:00 PM and December 10th at 4:00 PM. We’d love to see you all, share some memories and serve you one last time. Always, The Palamidessi Family."