05/24/2026
An Open Letter to the Community:
Well…after almost 25 years, we’ve decided it’s finally time to stop asking “Garden or Ceasar salad with that order?"
Yes, Anthony Jacks is officially being passed on to new owners.
While this is bittersweet, we are incredibly grateful for the amazing customers that kept our doors open all these years. As we officially turn AJ’s over to its new owners, we do so with immense gratitude and pride for everything we built together over the past 25 years. Our little dream became something much bigger because of all of you.
It started with an idea that formed around what was previously Gail DePaolo’s Fine China and Gift Shop. Building the restaurant (named after our godsons) from the ground up was literally a family affair. Bill DePaolo Sr. was a regular fixture at the host stand, greeting everyone by name and Gail was always helping in whatever way she could, especially by sharing her smile and grace with us all. We believe they would be very proud of how far we have come.
For all of our customers, thank you for supporting us through the good years, the recession years, the Covid years and especially for pretending not to notice when we were clearly understaffed, when the air conditioning broke or when the computer system went down during dinner rush. We are also pretty sure that someone out there is still waiting for their ketchup.
Thank you for your support, your stories, your laughter and for keeping us busy all these years. It’s been an honor to serve you and you have made Anthony Jacks more than just a restaurant.
We have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, weddings, graduations and countless everyday moments together. You’ve watched us grow older. We watched your kids grow older...and have kids of their own…and some of those kids now order drinks at the bar which scares us a little.
Anthony Jacks is extremely proud to have contributed to the Town of Southington and surrounding communities by participating in special events, donating food, charity dinners & countless gift card donations.
We also would not be where we are without our AMAZING staff…both past & present…kitchen and front of the house. And no worries, what happened at AJ’s stays at AJ’s (IYKYK).
Don’t worry, we’re not disappearing entirely and this transition will take a bit of time. No big changes initially…same great menu…same awesome staff….and yes, same Cranberry Chicken 😊
Please come in to see us and be introduced to the new owners who are experienced restaurateurs and, we are certain, will continue to improve upon what we have built.
To show our thanks, we invite you to come in this week (Wed, Thurs & Fri) for ONE DOLLAR beers, martinis, wine & cocktails (max two per person please) with the purchase of an entrée.
To our loyal customers: you’ll always be family.
To the new owners: the good spatulas are in the back, table 22 is haunted and if someone says “I know the owner,” just nod politely.
Now we’re off to enjoy weekends, holidays, sleep and meals cooked by someone else.
With great appreciation & heartfelt gratitude…thank you for being part of our journey and letting us be part of yours.
Barry & Cheryl
(p.s.... please be assured that all gift cards will be honored by the new owners as well as any current reservations and special bookings.)
