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What does ‘SRO’ mean?
One of the first glowing reviews for the 33rd Street Bistro in 1996 headlined that the restaurant had “Standing Room Only” because it had become such an instant success. We loved the headline, and it became the acronym for the company.
Where it began…
The SRO, Inc. idea of “innovative neighborhood dining” began on November 13th, 1995. That morning, Sacramento-native brothers Fred and Matt Haines opened the doors to the 33rd Street Bistro on the corner of 33rd Street and Folsom Boulevard. Incorporating the flavors and techniques of the Pacific Northwest that Executive Chef Fred Haines had been surrounded by the previous ten years, the 33rd Street Bistro was an instant success for those customers looking for generous, full-flavored portions of food with appealing prices.
A new neighborhood…
Spurred on by the success of the Bistro in East Sacramento, the Haines brothers looked to the other side of town and opened the Riverside Clubhouse on March 23rd, 2003, in the well-known and established Land Park neighborhood. This time, Fred and Matt set out to create a restaurant that infused interpretations of timeless American classic fare with a modernistic sensibility. Gorgeous fireplaces and a thirty foot “wall of water” fulfill the senses while you enjoy an “Old Cemetery Lemon Drop” or a “four-way Prime New York Steak.” Just as they did in East Sac with 33rd Street Bistro, the brothers created a restaurant in Land Park that the residents truly believe to be “their own.”
Dining on a grand scale…
The next “neighborhood” spot found its way to the college town of Davis, CA. Improvising on the idea of the 33rd Street Bistro concept, “Bistro 33” was born. Bistro 33 Davis, though still a restaurant firmly rooted in the idea of Pacific Northwest inspired fare with reasonable prices, is also a cultural and community center in the heart of downtown Davis that features first-rate comedy, live music, pub quiz nights, weddings, graduations, reunions, and much more. Truly a sight to behold, Bistro 33 Davis is built within and around the old City Hall of Davis, and features a, an Event Center, a three-tiered patio, two levels of inside dining and a 25 seat bar. The largest SRO, Inc. restaurant in scale, Bistro 33 Davis nevertheless succeeds due to the company’s belief that the restaurant belongs to the neighborhood in which it resides, and the community of Davis has accepted it wholeheartedly.
Into the heart of town…
Fred and Matt’s latest creation, Bistro 33 Midtown, opened on April 11th, 2006 and has become known as one the premiere nighttime destinations in downtown and midtown Sacramento. This cozy, sexy, and urbane restaurant is—like its sister restaurant, Bistro 33 Davis—an offshoot of the original 33rd Street Bistro, but unlike the Haines’ previous endeavors, Bistro 33 Midtown locates its inspiration amongst the sophisticated bars and lounges of Manhattan and San Francisco. Executive Chef Fred’s dazzling array of small plates appeal to the lunch, dinner, and late-night diners (Bistro 33 Midtown is open until 3:00 AM Thursday through Saturday!), and the one-of-kind design, featuring mysterious and dazzling chandeliers, comfy booths, a black granite bar and a beautiful patio, make this restaurant a true midtown jewel.
Next on the horizon…
Fred and Matt are excited about their next two ventures, which should be open in the Fall of 2007. The first, Bistro 33 El Dorado Hills, is again an attempt to successfully capture the magic that all of the Bistro 33’s have brought to their respective locations and relocate it to the magnificent Town Center in the burgeoning community of El Dorado Hills. You’ll find us “under the dome” on Town Center Boulevard, our patio facing the amphitheatre and the lake, and an interior designed once again by the team that has created all of our incredible restaurants. El Dorado Hills, we look forward to seeing you soon.
The second, Suzie Burger, is great food on a smaller scale. Fred and Matt both used to love the secret recipe burger that the now defunct Suzie Burger fed them as kids. Now, they look to treat Sacramento to the same classic burger they loved as children, as well as cheesesteaks, shakes, chili dogs, and other treats. Located on the corner of 29th and P Streets in midtown Sacramento, Suzie Burger will also be open in the Fall of 2007.