205 Park Place Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823 Phone: 814-353-3330

Guy Bonfatto opened a confectionary and grocery store in South Renovo Circa 1912, but had to close it in 1917 to serve in the U.S. Army during WWI.  Upon his completion of duty, Guy and his wife, Pauline opened a grocery and produce store on August 15, 1919 in the Bush Arcade in downtown Bellefonte.  Besides retail and wholesale sales, Guy also made door-to-door deliveries of produce to residences.

Guy and Pauline operated the business until Guy's untimely and sudden death in January 1960.  Pauline was active in the business long after she retired, and was in the store daily until an illness forced her to stop working in May 1987.

In 1958 John Bonfatto created the BONANZA SUB SANDWICH.  In the beginning there was one variety, the Original-Italian in two sizes: 8" & 16".  The 8" Bonanza Sub sold for $.35, the 16" for $.65.  As popularity of the Bonanza Sub grew, other varieties were added. The name 'BONAZA', referring to a sub, was registered as a trademark by John in 1963.  The Bonanza Sub made Bonfatto's famous for quality food and quick service at a reasonable price ... and the excellence continued!

Bonfatto's began to evolve from grocery and produce to prepared ready-to-eat foods.  In 1965 John remolded a building at the rear of the store for selling pizza, and later added cheese steak sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, spaghetti, and a host of other sandwiches and meals to go.  By 1970 further expansion was necessary and  The Bellefonte Grille was acquired.  In 1974 a restaurant was opened in the same building as the Grille, which was next to the store.

In 1978 a devastating fire destroyed the store and pizza shop.  Rebuilding and consolidation then took place and resulted in todays structures.  In 1980 Bonfatto's became BONFATTO'S, INC. with Pauline, John, Francis and Mary as officers of the new corporation.  On January 1, 1990 David Letterman, grandson of Guy and Pauline became the third generation to join the family business.  Establishing a second Bonfatto's location in State College, he also expanded the business when he established Bonfatto's Complete Catering Services,  specializing in business meetings, picnic, theme parties, wedding receptions, and other occasions.

Committed in carrying out the tradition of excellence, David and his wife Sherri became third generation owners of Bonfatto's, Inc in July 1999. A little over a year later the biggest expansion of the business would occur when David and Sherri opened Bonfatto's Restaurant and Lounge on Bishop Street in Bellefonte.  This modern facility quickly has become the talk of the town.  With seating capacity of 130, a full beautiful bar, expanded menu, drive-up window, plus great food and atmosphere, Guy and Pauline would be proud.

In September 2004, David and Sherri recognized the need for further expansion and by March 15, 2005 Nichele Lounge, named after their daughters Nicole and Michele, was open.  It increased the seating capacity by 43 and added 1,300 square feet to the original 4,100 square feet of the restaurant.  More importantly, Nichele Lounge was designed to accommodate business meetings and small gatherings which was lacking in the Bellefonte area.

We welcome you to come visit us at Bonfatto's!