ST. LOUIS—A landmark restaurant on The Hill in St. Louis is changing hands, but an important beverage tradition will remain intact.

Joan Aiazzi, who has owned and operated Rigazzi’s, which was founded on The Hill in 1957, sold the restaurant to Corey Christanell and Donn Ganim, the parties announced Monday. 

Rigazzi’s, located at 4945 Daggett Ave, is billed as the oldest operating restaurant in the city’s Italian enclave.

Christanell spent over two decades at Anheuser Busch as a senior advisor to the CEO and as a senior director of A-B’s sports and entertainment marketing department, while Ganim owns franchise salons and a restaurant in Cape Girardeau.

Christanell’s grandparents owned and operated the former Mama Toscano’s Ravioli on The Hill. That restaurant’s ravioli is still on the menu at Rigazzi’s.

“An opportunity to buy such an iconic restaurant doesn’t come around often,” Christanell said in a news release. “As someone who grew up in South St. Louis and still has deep ties to the community on The Hill, I felt it was important that Rigazzi’s would remain a part of St. Louis for the next generation and beyond. We will honor the rich history of Rigazzi’s while evolving to meet the exciting new growth and energy taking place on The Hill.”

“I wasn’t going to sell Rigazzi’s to just anyone – it had to be in safe hands, and that’s who I found in Corey and Donn,” said Aiazzi. “It was important for me to ensure the next owner of Rigazzi’s was someone with deep ties to The Hill. They grew up coming here, and they understand what Rigazzi’s means to our guests and our community. I can rest easy knowing they will keep the traditions we created on our little corner of The Hill alive and well,” she said.

The new owners say they have hired a consultant to evaluate the restaurant’s space and menu. Fans of the famous 32-ounce Fishbowls of beer can rest easy, though.

“Don’t worry, the Fishbowls aren’t going anywhere,” Christanell said. “Just as The Hill has evolved in recent years, we are looking to make some thoughtful upgrades and improvements to make sure we have something for everyone at Rigazzi’s. Before I was the owner, I was a long-time customer. I know what makes Rigazzi’s special, and we’re not looking to change that.”