Vella’s Restaurant & Tavern is a landmark institution at the corner of Ninth Street and Knox-Abbott Drive in Cayce. It was initially an Open Air Market more than 70 years ago. It was established by Pat Vella, former USC quarterback.

Walt Hallman has been the owner of Vella’s since 1999 and the restaurant has continued to thrive because once a patron comes into Vella’s, they are likely to keep coming. 

“Regulars, people who come in often, are the bulk of our business,” said Tonya Thornton, Vella’s general manager. She has been in the restaurant industry for her whole career. She’s been at Vella’s for the last four years. 

“I love this restaurant. The people who come in and the people who work here are great. Everyone here works as a team. We have 18 or 19 employees and we support each other. And we don’t have a lot of turnover. People stay. Mel (Trimnal, a server) has been working at Vella’s for 25 years.” 

Tonya, who lives in Cayce, said the staff at Vella’s has a great relationship with the community and employees do things with the customers outside of the restaurant. “We know many of them by name,” she said. 

She also said Vella’s has great food, including All-you-Can-Eat Crab Legs Night. Other favorites are the ribeye sandwiches and wings.

Vella’s is in the Cayce City Council District represented by Councilman Tim James. He is a longtime fan of the restaurant.   

“Vella’s is the most historic local food and beverage spot for consistently great service and food. It’s a place that has a ‘Cheers’ theme, where you will always be greeted as a friend, and probably see many folks you know,” James said. 

He also said his memories of Vella’s go way back. 

“I recall even as a small kid looking forward to going to Vella’s for dinner, where you’d find Mr. Pat Vella greeting everyone, as well as cooking when needed,” James said.  “After many decades, the great friendly vibe has never been lost. Vella’s remains a fun environment to enjoy time with family, friends or work colleagues at lunch time.”

And food is not the only feature at Vella’s  

Vella’s, and its bar that was expanded in 2010,  is a popular spot for football Saturdays and other broadcast sporting events. There are 11 TV screens in the restaurant and big crowds come in on game days, said Tonya. And if you want to have a meeting of a group of people, there are no fees. Just come in and meet.

“If you have not been to Vella’s you don’t know what you’re missing,” Tonya said. “It’s the ultimate neighborhood gathering place where everybody knows your name.”