The Fatted Calf was created in 1966 by Vince and Tony Bommarito, St. Louis’ own famous restaurateurs of 5 Star Award winning Tony’sRestaurant. The first location was Tenth and Locust Street in downtown St. Louis. The limited menu had Calfburger, Cheddarburger, and Bleuburger served with CornChips. To drink was Coke, Draft Beer, or Milk. Picadilly, Buckingham and Canterbury Sauces were the only condiments. The Fatted Calf was animmediate success. The Second location was Grand and Lindell Boulevard in the heart of SLU“territory”. In 1969 the Clayton Store was built when Vince and Tony sold the name and concept to American Snacks of Boston. American Snacks quickly built 20 Fatted Calfs from coast to coast including prime real estate in San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Two additional St. Louis stores were added at Northwest Plaza and downtown at Fifth and Locust.

Former owner Kathy Sellenriek worked at the Clayton Fatted Calf all the way through Fontbonne University and then managed the Tenth and Locust store for two years after graduation. In 1976, she left to work with Bill and Christine Saigh on the opening of the new restaurant concept; The Lettuce Leaf. In 1987 American Snacks sold the last remaining Fatted Calf to Kathy.  Kathy decided to hand the reigns over to current owners Jason & Kathleen Portman on July 1, 2008.

The Portmans certainly have long ties to The Fatted Calf as well as to Clayton & the restaurant business.  Jason grew up and was reared in Clayton all his childhood.  As a Clayton High School graduate he often jaunted over to catch a cheddar burger & fries at lunch . Jason cut his restaurant experience at another venerable Clayton eatery, The Leather Bottle.  That's where Jason met Kathleen as Kathleen and her first husband owned & operated The Leather Bottle. Jason left St. Louis to attend & graduate from The Colorado College in Colorado Springs.  Jason returned to St. Louis and has been involved with the management of Dierdorf & Hart's Steakhouse in West Port Plaza for the past 18 years.  He is currently the Director of Operations as well as helping to keep things running at The Fatted Calf.  Kathleen grew up in Brentwood as well as in the heart of Hollywood in the mid-60's!  Kathleen has been active in so many different ventures it is hard to list them all. In the early mornings Kathleen finds herself part of the Nationally Syndicated morning radio show, DC & the Family.  You can listen to her live at their website: dcandthefamily.com The Portmans look forward to many great years at the helm of the esteemed Clayton Eatery!