The Fatted Calf was created in 1966 by Vince and Tony Bommarito, St. Louis’ own famous restaurateurs of 5 Star Award winning Tony’s Restaurant. The first location was Tenth and Locust Street in downtown St. Louis. The limited menu had Calfburger, Cheddarburger, and Bleuburger served with Corn Chips. To drink was Coke, Draft Beer, or Milk. Picadilly, Buckingham and Canterbury Sauces were the only condiments. The Fatted Calf was an immediate 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.

Current 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.