Joe's Ranch House
Joe's Ranch House was a private supper club at 1105 Mayland Lane, just off Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills. It was first opened by owner Joe Zarzaur on a site on the east side of the highway in 1948, two years before Vestavia was incorporated. The club has been rebuilt or expanded three times since, most recently on its current 2.67 acre site behind U-Haul.
In its heyday from the 1950s to the late 1970s, Joe's Ranch House was a favorite stop for local executives, officials and other notables such as Bear Bryant. Vestavia mayor Scotty McAllum has been a member since 1952.
In the latest set-up, the back dining room hosted popular big bands and served as a nightclub while families dined in the front room. Guests were encouraged to bring their own liquor to drink with meals. The kitchen was famed for its stellar steaks, fresh seafood and fried onion rings. The club's regulars were well-known to the wait staff and to Juliette Zarzaur, Joe's wife and hostess.
From 1981 to 2002, Joe's Ranch House was operated by a tenant before Zarzaur rejoined the fray, rebuilding the membership. Juliette died in 2005 and Zarzaur has decided to close the business on September 30, 2006. The property has been put up for sale.
Some scenes from Bart Freundlich's 2001 feature film World Traveler were shot at Joe's Ranch House. The "No. 1" membership card was held by Meryl Vaiden
References
- Goodman, Troy (August 31, 2006) "Joe's ending 58-year run". Birmingham News.
External links
- Photo gallery from the Birmingham News.