Episode 33: Looking Back on a Conversation with Sacramento's Culinary Pioneer, Randy Paragary

Bite Sized Finance

Celebrating the legendary Randy Paragary, we reflect on his profound impact on Sacramento's culinary and social landscape. Randy's journey began in 1969 with the opening of the Parapow Palace Saloon, a revolutionary step that transformed a humble grocery store into a vibrant music venue. Randy's insightful reflections on the cultural upheavals of the Vietnam War era and the Summer of Love, coupled with his innovative spirit, paint a vivid picture of the man who helped shape Sacramento's nightlife and hospitality scene. His knack for repurposing old spaces into dynamic social hubs is a testament to his visionary approach. From the early days of the Victorian-themed Lord Beaverbrooks to the enduring success of Paragary's, we explore the evolution of Randy's ventures. The chapter underscores the influence of culinary icons like Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck on Randy's ambition to introduce Sacramento to high-quality dining experiences. We delve into the story behind the wood-fired pizza oven at Paragary's, one of the oldest west of the Mississippi, and how it became a hallmark of the restaurant's appeal. This journey is not just about food but about creating spaces that bring people together, a legacy that Randy maintained through his Midtown hotel project. In an engaging conversation, Randy shares his entrepreneurial wisdom, recounting both triumphs and challenges. The creation of a hotel that blends dining and social experiences without the typical end-of-night lull showcases Randy's forward-thinking approach. Reflecting on his journey, Randy offers invaluable lessons on the evolving complexities of the restaurant industry, drawing parallels between the social upheavals of the 60s and the present day. His insights on the increasing barriers for young entrepreneurs today serve as a sobering reminder of the changing landscape. Join us as we pay tribute to Randy's enduring legacy and celebrate the resilient spirit of the Sacramento restaurant scene. To make a reservation or to learn more about the restaurants in the group, visit: https://paragarysmidtown.com/ For more information on what we provide at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com. You can contact me, Kelly Brothers, through the show at: [e-mail] To reach me at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com/locations/sacramento-ca/ Episode Highlight Timestamps(00:34 - 03:22) Restaurant Industry Evolution Over Five Years (05:28 - 06:27) Makuni (11:31 - 15:02) Remembering Randy Paragary (32:27 - 33:42) Restaurant Legend Ventures Into Hotel Industry (36:07 - 37:51) Randy Paragary Restaurant Scene Recap (39:52 - 40:56) Fort Sutter Hotel Bar and Lounge (47:55 - 48:56) Challenges of Opening a Bar (00:00) Changes and Closures in Restaurant Industry Sacramento's restaurant industry adapts to COVID-19 with takeout and outdoor dining, while celebrating resilience and notable closures like Club Pheasant and Biba. (14:08) Legacy of Randy Paragary in Sacramento Randy Paragary's legacy in Sacramento's dining and social scene, from his first bar in 1969 to his influence on nightlife. (26:16) Evolution of Paragary's and Fort Sutter Journey from law school to successful restaurateur, influenced by culinary pioneers, wood-fired pizza ovens, and 37 years of popularity in Sacramento's dining scene. (33:49) Randy Paragary Discusses Hotel Vision Randy Paragary shares his vision of a hotel-restaurant experience, attracting business travelers, families, and locals, with a partnership with Hilton's Tapestry Collection. (44:39) Lessons From Randy Paragary Entrepreneur Randy Paragary reflects on his journey, lessons learned from mistakes, and challenges faced in starting a business. We also discuss current opportunities and his enduring influence on Sacramento's dining and nightlife scene.