From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:
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When you think of broasted chicken what restaurant comes to mind? For many Sooites it’s Muio’s Restaurant.
For nearly 55 years Muio’s has been a favourite restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie. It has weathered many years while staying a favourite place for residents to enjoy their famous broasted chicken among other excellent Italian-Canadian menu choices.
Have you ever really paid attention to the images on the exterior east wall of the building? Having undergone renovations, the current owner has highlighted the building’s past uses and inhabitants. Using three large, arched billboards, visitors and passersby are informed of the historical value of the building.
The photograph panels indicate that the building was initially home to the Canadian Bank of Commerce from 1890-1924, then from 1924-1961 it was occupied by Angus Grant Wholesalers and finally opening in 1961 as Muio’s Restaurant. It’s also interesting to note that the retro-looking signage, located on the roof, with its lighted twinkling stars, is still vibrant looking and has been in operation since the 1960s.
Brothers Pat and Carmen Muio gained restaurant experience as teenagers while working at Capy’s Restaurant. They later became the owners of the Adanac Restaurant. The other Muio brothers, Guy, Frank and Gene joined them at the Adanac. In 1953 Rocco DiRenzo emigrated to Sault Ste. Marie from Italy with his parents and sister. He started working at the restaurant as a dishwasher and became friends with the Muio brothers.
In 1961 Pat and Carmen opened what is now Muio’s Restaurant located at the corner of Queen and East Streets. It later became a partnership to include brother Guy and friend Rocco DiRenzo.
The building soon took on a new look. The restaurant soon became a favourite eating spot for many people in the city.
Time passed with the Muio brothers eventually retiring leaving the youngest partner, Rocco DiRenzo and his wife Linda to take on the business in the mid 80s.
Throughout the years it became a family business as the owners’ wives and children have been involved in the business too. In 1997 Robert DiRenzo, the youngest of the DiRenzo children, began to assist with running and managing the restaurant. After four years his father retired and he took over the family business.
There is a certain comfort in “keeping things just as they have always been” but we all know that this ideal is just not possible. Muio’s restaurant has managed to change with the times while maintaining a nostalgic ambiance.
Black and white historical photographs decorate the interior walls and remind us of times gone by, while educating diners on the rich history of our city and those who have helped shape it.
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Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provides SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here