"Claudia Clow originally didn't want to sell Pick's Drive-In, a 103-year-old roadstop burger stand, when a venture capitalist asked to buy the restaurant last year. But Clow relented and sold the business after owning it for 35 years, and now a month after it reopened, she believes it's the best decision she could have ever made. "I could cry how happy I am," Clow said."
"The Cloverdale restaurant reopened as Pick's Roadside on Jan. 10 after an extensive yearlong remodel by Anidel Hospitality Group, which is owned by venture capitalist and Weebly co-founder Chris Fanini. The new owners refreshed the menu with wagyu burgers and local root beer on tap, while also adding a custom neon sign designed from vintage Pick's photos. "That sign is pretty iconic," said John Wittig, managing director of Anidel Hospitality Group."
"Fanini sold his Weebly startup to Square in 2018 for $365 million and has spent the past few years buying up historic hospitality properties across Northern California. Since 2023, his Anidel Hospitality Group has purchased more than a dozen buildings, including Sonoma Cheese Factory in downtown Sonoma and Lake Tahoe's oldest waterfront bar, Chambers Landing. After the Sonoma Cheese Factory purchase, Fanini, who was not available for an interview with SFGATE, told the Press Democrat that Sonoma held a "special place in my heart""
Pick's Drive-In was sold after 35 years of local ownership and reopened as Pick's Roadside on Jan. 10 after a yearlong remodel. Anidel Hospitality Group refreshed the menu with wagyu burgers and local root beer on tap and installed a custom neon sign inspired by vintage Pick's photos. Renovation work faced challenges due to the building's age, but owners emphasized preserving the restaurant's historic character while aiming to make Cloverdale a destination. Fanini's group has acquired more than a dozen Northern California hospitality properties since 2023. The reopening has drawn strong local enthusiasm and revived a downtown focal point.
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