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A new chapter is unfolding for the elegant Sequoia at the Bee-Bennett House at 643 Bee St. in Placerville.
For the last 10 years it has been known as the place to go for dinner, Sunday brunch, comedy nights, salsa dance lessons, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter Brunch, Mother’s Day, a special event and weddings.
On Tuesday, Jan. 3, Sequoia will be under new management. Nello and Danica Olivo are retiring from the restaurant business and turning the reins over to Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Centers. The well-known business owned by John and Linda Zaruka has 16 locations throughout the state. Bill Zaruka, their son, will manage the operation.
“Things will change and many things will remain the same,” Nello Olivo said.
“The new business owners will bring more commerce to the area and create more jobs. We will continue to own the building and have the Nello Olivo wine tasting room downstairs,” Olivo added.
Many staff members will remain in their positions and will be welcoming brides and grooms and party goers on an ongoing basis.
At present the historical Bee-Bennett House may be seen on the Wedgewood Banquet Center Website as Wedgewood Gold Country, location No. 17 for the company.
Prior to that the stately Victorian was home to the Placerville Elks Lodge No. 1712 and before that the residence of Judge Marcus P. Bennett and his wife Mary and their children. The Bennetts purchased the home in 1889. It was constructed by businessman Col. Frederick Bee in 1853.
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BummedDecember 29, 2011 - 1:46 pm
Gee, thanks for giving us enough notice to use our gift cards.
SHDecember 30, 2011 - 6:54 am
Seriously. They had holiday gift card specials, only to say that you have this weekend to use them. Thanks guys.
RosemeyerDecember 29, 2011 - 8:41 pm
So...will they still be open as a nightly restaurant?
SHDecember 30, 2011 - 7:06 am
No, it they won't serve as a public restaurant, just for large events
SHDecember 30, 2011 - 7:21 am
I hope they will continue the Chef Demonstration dinners with David Bagley.
wayyyy bummed!December 30, 2011 - 10:53 am
Rumor has it that David is also leaving. And..as crappy as the gift card issue is, maybe think about the 20 plus employees that got laid off just a few days before Christmas. I am sure they would love to see you come in and use those gift cards before they close the doors after New Years Eve.
CherylDecember 30, 2011 - 12:25 pm
I am very annoyed with the gift card situation. Right before Christmas there was a big display of them at Costco, that should not have happened. Also, gift cards were given so someone could have a great dining experience, not buy wine. I am a member of the wine club, and it is very good wine, but not what the gift cards were given for. I will miss having this fine restaurant.
LeeDecember 30, 2011 - 4:06 pm
Could of have been a lot worse----Mike Adams could of bought it.
Last chance.....December 30, 2011 - 7:51 pm
concerning the Adams, they are still in business, Poor Red's seems as busy as ever....apparently they really are above the law......maybe we don't have to pay our taxes?!
NewsmanJanuary 06, 2012 - 9:23 am
I wish he did, at least he would have not screwed over his customers or workers. "Lee" you are a loser!
ConcernedDecember 31, 2011 - 3:01 pm
The Elk's should have kept this building...
MarkJanuary 02, 2012 - 7:40 am
Just great! Found out about the sale after the fact. So are the cards good for anything and if so how do we redeem them?
CeceJanuary 02, 2012 - 4:24 pm
This is the same complaint I am hearing ALL OVER TOWN! Dozens of people received gift cards as gifts, especially with Costco selling them at a great rate, but now no one can use them! To the new people managing the restuarant: What a great way to start off your business! The whole town pissed off b/c their gift cards are no good! I'd like to know how much $$$ was just flushed down the toilet! Maybe they should re-consider excepting the cards...
CeceJanuary 02, 2012 - 4:55 pm
At what point did the owners know the business was changing hands yet still decided to sell gift cards knowing they would expire?
hangtownJanuary 03, 2012 - 8:27 am
MIA again, our PantyWaist District Attorney.
SHJanuary 03, 2012 - 9:12 am
I asked them about it, apparently they didnt know about it until the last minute. Of course, whate else are they gonna say? :) The cards can still be used downstairs to buy wine. Not the intended purpose for sure, but at least its better than nothing. I think Westwood is equally to blame - not the right way to start off. Everybody i've talked to is ticked off at them right now. I wish they would change their minds and open to the public as a daily restaurant. Maybe a petition? :)
Bill ZarukaJanuary 03, 2012 - 12:14 pm
As the President of Wedgewood (the company that purchased the business) this past week I can assure you that Nello and his team reacted quickly to mitigate the gift card process and notify his customers as soon as he knew what was going on. Unfortunately a lot of cards are out there. I have been told they will be honored or refunded at the wine cellar. This all happened very quickly. I know many people are sad to see the daily restaurant close, but given the current economy there is no way to keep that part of the business afloat. The Fine Dinng segment of the industry is really struggling. A top end Ruth's Chris Steakhouse just closed it's doors in Santa Barbara. We will continue to be an integral part of the community by hosting any form of banquet. Birthday parties, retirements, baby sthowers, weddings, and all sorts of events like comedy night, Valentines dinner, and Mothers Day Brunch. I think given the options that were a possibility this is the best scenario for community. We have retained as many members of the management team including David Bagley and look forward to being a staple of Placerville for many years to come.
NewsmanJanuary 06, 2012 - 9:28 am
This response sounds like canned corporate BS to me, what a way to start a business in this little town!.
BummedJanuary 04, 2012 - 9:18 am
still seems to me like the old owners just went for the cash
FraudulentJanuary 11, 2012 - 9:53 pm
I think they knew they were closing and sold gift cards just to keep the cash. I tried to get the value of the card in c ash as it was a gift and do not want the wine. I was told it would be 45 days before they would send it to me. Where will they be in 45 days? I doubt if they will be around after they sell all their wine. How about a class action suit against them? I would be happy to get it started.