Grandma Tended Bar: Family-Owned Bergen County Restaurant Celebrates 90 Years

CARLSTADT, NJ — Steakhouse owner Blaze Damiani says that when he was growing up, his mom would tell him vivid stories about how, on Jan. 1, 1936 — when she was just 10 years old — she was drafted to help sweep up the family's new restaurant.

That was the day that Blaze's grandparents, Steve and Mary Venturini, officially rented a restaurant in Carlstadt — then called Connie's Place, today called Steve's Sizzing Steaks — from the owners, and began building it up over 90 years.

Blaze's family became the owners in 1938, buying the place outright for $773.

This week, friends and officials in Carlstadt celebrated the anniversary of the family restaurant with a luncheon, and Damiani told Patch about the eatery's long history.

Damiani said that times have changed, but the restaurant, located on Route 17, still offers a full meal at a low price. He noted that customers will get not only a steak, but also a salad, potato, and mushrooms with each order.

Damiani said he's been involved in the steakhouse since "before I was born."

His grandfather, Steve, was a carpenter in Carlstadt. Steve lost an eye hammering a nail, and got into the bar business to support his four kids. At first, he ran the tavern portion of a restaurant up the street. But Steve didn't get along with the woman who handled the kitchen, Blaze says.

Blaze's grandmother, Mary, rented Connie's Place in 1936 so that Steve would have a new restaurant to work at, and a legendary establishment was born.

Steve and Mary Venturini themselves became legends, working at the bar for decades. Steve also survived two plane crashes, went fishing with Ernest Hemingway, and was friends with Baby Ruth, who visited the restaurant.

Over the years, Blaze said, the eatery was called Steve's Cocktail Lounge and Steve's Bar and Grill. It was incorporated as Steve's Sizzling Steaks in 1990.

When Blaze's mother passed away, Blaze became the only owner, and continued running the bar with his wife and other relatives.

Blaze spoke enthusiastically about the restaurant's history this week, saying he heard stories from his grandparents (who lived next door to him in Carlstadt growing up) and his mom. Blaze, 60, who has a degree in hotel management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, has also been involved for decades.

Decorated With Hunting Gear

In the 1930s, after Blaze's grandmother bought the bar, she wanted to attract more men, Blaze said. She began decorating with items that hubby Steve stored in the basement, including fishing and hunting gear.

"He noticed his stuff was missing," Blaze laughed. The restaurant is still decorated with hunting gear and animal heads today.

Carlstadt is an industrial town, geographically narrow with around 6,000 residents. Blaze said the restaurant became busier as North Jersey built up, especially while the factories ran for 24 hours during World War II.

"Steve's was open for 24 hours, knowing when the shifts would let out," Blaze said. "It would get so busy. There were no chain restaurants, no fast food, just taverns with kitchens. People would stand with paper plates, three or four deep around the bar, getting their hot dogs, frog's legs, and steaks."

The eatery also served cold cuts and fried shrimp at one point.

Blaze won't pull out bells and whistles this year in celebration, he says as he wants to keep his prices reasonable. He said patrons are assured of getting a good meal.

"We offer stuff at the lowest prices possible," he said. "We're not a sit-down, tablecloth fancy experience. I almost feel like a curator of a museum rather than running a restaurant."

Steve's Sizzling Steaks is located at 620 Route 17. Call them at (201) 438-9677.

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