By Kathy Chouteau
PJ’s Restaurant & Cocktail, which first opened its doors in 1956, is entering a new era under the ownership of the Padia family. Once regular patrons of the restaurant, the Padias aim to transform PJ’s into a family-run business with a fresh new look and renewed focus.
The family is hosting a reservations-only soft opening now through Sunday, Nov. 9 to welcome the community back into the space. A “Grand Opening” celebration is planned Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at PJ’s with the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce.
The family’s journey with PJ’s began in 2010, when they first started patronizing the establishment. As the story goes, Lorna Padia Markus’ then 70-year-old mother had a very bad week, including a lung cancer diagnosis and her boyfriend’s car crash into the house. The Padia family went to the Moose Lodge, where a man 20 years her junior got smart with Lorna’s mother, and she socked him—resulting in the entire Padia family being 86’d. So where did they go instead? PJ’s, of course, where they found a home.
Lorna said the previous owner of PJ’s, John Givogri, was very good to her mother, who lived another 10 years. She emphasized that her mother was a nurturing “feeder” of people, and that her spirit is at the heart of their purchase of the restaurant.
Over time, the Padias’ connection to the restaurant deepened, ultimately leading to their decision to purchase it and carry its legacy forward. It was previously owned by the Givogri family since 1980, and before that, namesakes Pete and Joan Peterson. Lorna said the Padias like to joke that PJ’s now stands for “Padias’ joint.”
A restaurant-first approach
One of the most noticeable changes under the Padias’ ownership is the shift in focus from bar to Italian restaurant. As Lorna put it, “Previously, I would call it a bar with a restaurant, where now it’s a restaurant with a bar.”
That philosophy has guided the renovations, which include a fully revamped dining room and bar with brighter lighting, updated furnishings and a more welcoming layout designed to encourage conversation.
The Padias have also made improvements to the kitchen and menu, aiming to elevate the dining experience while keeping it approachable.
Heading up the kitchen is Chef Sergio Nic, who has more than 25 years of Bay Area experience, including roles at Alioto’s, The Warwick Hotel and Hotel Whitcomb. According to PJ’s new management, Chef Sergio is renowned for his mastery of Italian cuisine, ranging from Carbonara to pizzas and pastas.
“Cooking has always been my way of connecting with people,” said Chef Sergio. “Food has a special power—it brings comfort, it celebrates joy, and it brings a community together. I’m thrilled to bring my creativity and experience to PJ’s, a place that already holds such a special place in the hearts of so many.”
Lorna said dishes including the bruschetta, clam chowder, fettuccine alfredo, capellini pomodoro, carbonara, linguine alle vongole with clams and chicken parmesan are popular returning menu items.
The new owner said the “shrimp scampi has been really popular” on the new menu, along with a “rustic polenta” and the fried calamari, which Lorna said is not only delicious, but gluten-free. She added that a sandwich on the lunch menu, “The Godfather,” with mortadella, Coppa salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini and garlic aioli, is another well-received item—as is the meatball sandwich.
Renovations with heart
The transformation of PJ’s has been a labor of love. The renovations include a refreshed interior, including new flooring, that balances modern updates with the restaurant’s classic charm. The goal was to create a space that feels both familiar and new, honoring PJ’s long history while making it more inviting for today’s diners.
The Padia family has been hands-on throughout the process, overseeing everything from design choices to menu development. Their commitment to the project reflects their deep personal connection to PJ’s and their desire to make it a true community hub.
A family-run future
PJ’s is continuing as a family-run business, with multiple members of the Padia family (including Lorna, her two sons and grandson) involved in its day-to-day operations. From greeting guests during the soft opening to managing the kitchen and coordinating events, the Padias are working together to ensure PJ’s continues to be a welcoming and vibrant space.
The Padias are requesting that the community help honor the restaurant’s legacy by sharing stories, photos and memories of PJ’s with them at [email protected]. They said that this effort will help them document and preserve its rich history.
“Since 1956, PJ’s has been more than a restaurant. It’s been a gathering place where memories were made,” stated the Padia family. “We are proud to bring back this tradition and look forward towelcoming you into the new PJ’s.”
PJs is located at 3721 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante. Its soft opening through Nov. 9 includes lunch seatings at 11:30 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Dinner seatings are at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The bar is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., while the restaurant is closed on Mondays. Seating is by reservation only during the soft opening; sign up for a reservation by emailing [email protected].
Again, PJ’s full “Grand Opening” celebration is planned for Nov. 11th at 5:30 p.m. at the restaurant/bar.
