Goodrich – A four-generation area restaurant is beginning its 50th year of service to the Goodrich area.
John’s Steak House & Pizzeria owner Dominic Sirignano, known as ‘D.J.’to local patrons, says parents John and Mary Sirignano bought the establishment in 1955. His father was employed by General Motors in the 1950s, and noticed the ‘Club 15? bar for sale while driving up M-15 to Saginaw.
‘It was kind of a rough place,? says Sirignano, who lived above the restaurant as a child.
After the Sirignanos began selling pizza the name was changed to Isle of Capri. The restaurant began selling a 55-cent steak ‘sandwich? deal, featuring an eight-ounce steak, hand-cut fries, and a side order of bread. The steak deal became so popular the business became known as John’s Steak House & Pizzeria.
D.J. Sirignano was only 8 years old when he began prep work in the restaurant’s kitchen.
Later his wife Crystal helped out as needed, as did his children, Ken and Kendra.
Today the restaurant is run by Bill Brosius and Tom Welch, while D.J. deals in land transactions at Atlas Real Estate.
‘It had been 40 years,? Sirignano said. ‘My wife said, ‘Isn’t it time for a change??
Pizza dough is made fresh by hand each morning, as is spaghetti sauce. Steak, pizza, chicken, fish, and Italian American food are also popular menu offerings in the restaurant, which has prohibited smoking since 1994, said Sirignano, and has recently added low-carb specials.
Look for the 50-year anniversary banner on John’s Steak House & Pizzeria, located at 8038 S. State Road (M-15), just north of the Hegel Road light.
‘We’ve been here a long time,? said Sirignano, ‘we must be doing something right.?