Among the oil paintings and Maestri family photographs, are the likenesses of Henry Mancini, Joe DiMaggio, Newt Gingrich, George Bush, and many others.Maestri’s grandmother prepared meals in the restaurant over a wood burning stove, and diners ate by candlelight. Mary Maestri’s eventually added modern conveniences, but the food was still made with her original recipes.
Sadly, After 87 years in business landmark Italian restaurant Mary Maestri's in Tontitown has been shut down by the Department of Finance & Administration for failure to pay sales tax.
The owner hopes to reopen the restaurant soon.
UPDATE
Mary Maestri’s likely is permanently closed after owner Daniel Maestri on Thursday dropped his lawsuit against a state agency pursuing back sales taxes.
A real estate “for sale” sign near Mary Maestri’s indicates the land on which the restaurant sits is for sale.