Bove’s restaurant, one of downtown Burlington’s most cherished eateries, is closing its doors after nearly 74 years of dishing out classic Italian fare.
The Bove family said in an announcement Friday that they plan to focus on their wholesale and catering operations, and will move the business to a warehouse and distribution center in Milton. The family will close the Pearl Street restaurant on December 23 and turn the space into a catering headquarters.
“Today, Bove’s fans here and around the country are far more interested in bringing our pasta sauces, lasagna and meatballs into their own homes to prepare, versus visiting the restaurant,” the family said in a prepared statement. “So we know the time is right for us to take our next big step. Bringing more Bove’s to more people around the country best positions us to serve a wider audience of fans for the next 75 years.”
The restaurant was founded by Luis and Victoria Bove in 1941 and once hosted President John F. Kennedy. Bernie Sanders has been a regular for decades.
But the Boves’ business has evolved to focus on retail sales — jars of Bove’s sauce can be found in stores across the country.
Dick Bove, Louis and Victoria’s son, has officially retired, the family announced. Dick’s sons, Mark and Rick, are the third generation of the family to run the business.
Correction, December 7, 2015: A previous version of this story contained an error regarding the age of the restaurant.
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Boves is the best.The meatball are awesome and the salads,OMG! My parents use to go on Fridays. Way is it closing its no right
I wish that you would keep the restaurant open, and I would love for you to keep the restaurant open as would so many others. There are so many of us who are really sad to see it close.
Nooooooooooooo!
Sad news.I have been to Boves many times over the last 50 yrs. It was always one of our most favorite restaurant. It will be missed alot. But at least i can buy their wonderful sauces. Right now I have 4 jars in my cupboard. Love them all. Thanks Boves for great dinners. P.S. My grandfather and my parents knew Babe Bove, way way back.
Gonna try and eat there b4 it closes..will be in Vt in November..thank God I can get their goods here in Va.
During the 50’s when my Dad worked late on Friday Night, he always brought Boves home to the family.
They will be missed.
I love the jukebox and the selections it offers, unfortunately it’s been broken for soooo long
The restaurant closure no doubt caused by the increase in minimum wage.
Back in the 60’s my family lived across the street from Boves..wonderful people and great food…so sorry to hear another Burlington historic landmark is going commercial. My family knew the original family and they were so kind and cared about Pearl Street as did Izzos Market…such wonderful memories of a simpler life. Thank you for your service and dedication to great food and one of my favorite chilhood memories
Every birthday we could choose our dinner and I always chose Bove’s. Anyone else remember the sparklers that got sent home with the take out? I have some fond memories of some of the “characters” we used to see at Bove’s — like the gentleman who ate there alone just about every night but would carry on a lively conversation with someone across the table from him. We decided he was talking with his deceased wife. Nowadays we’d probably think he was talking to someone on a bluetooth headset : ) Best of luck to the Bove Family!