The Readsboro Inn and restaurant are rich in history. The buildings that comprise the establishment date back to the late 19th century. In 1932 Gerardo & Teresa Bolognani purchased the complex which once housed Jerry’s Hardware Store, Mario Cristofolini’s Variety Store which featured a butcher shop, a barbershop, and restaurant. Only two years into owning the building, a detrimental fire cost the Bolognanis over $20,000 in damage (2026 value of $487,000!)
The building was rebuilt and then suffered the repercussions of the prohibition. Following the prohibition, Gerardo would routinely drive to Montpelier to stuff as many cases of beer into his Buick for patrons of Readsboro Inn. Laws were strict during this time and as the tourist trade boomed, drinking regulations eased. One of the major businesses that employed Readsboro residents was The Readsboro Chair Factory, which opened its doors in 1873 and sold a variety of furniture pieces all over the world. Gerardo Bolognani, as well as John Maroni and Arthur Eccher Sr, owned the factory in the 1950s.
During the Bolognani tenure, the restaurant and bar flourished as businesses in town expanded. The family renovated the second floor into seven guest rooms which were rented to travelers and local workers. During World War II, troops guarding the Harriman Dam and Hoosac Tunnel were housed in the attic. Interestingly, this attic also was once used for casket and piano storage! In the mid-1980s, The Readsboro Chair Factory (renamed, Vermont Chair Inc.) fell on hard times and closed its doors in 1988. Readsboro Inn stabilized in the struggles.
In 2002, the Bolognani family sold the complex to Marcia Evans. Marcia Evans and Nadia Todres brought an entirely new look to the historic inn and tavern on Route 100. Marcia said she found the hidden gem while out snowmobiling and it reminded her of the tavern her parents ran in Maine. Marcia, Nadia and the help of local builders, transformed the former bar which was on the north side of the inn into a charming dining room which highlights the original Readsboro Inn road sign! The two relocated the bar to the formerly vacant space and it has opened up seating and more area to enjoy. A pool table, history nook, fabulous dinner specials, modern, upscale touches to the inn rooms and a porch was added with outdoor seating. It is clear that Marcia and Nadia poured their time, hard work, and heart into this establishment and it would not be the inn we love without them.
In 2019, Brian Marchegiani and Casey Scott took on the next chapter in the long history of the Readsboro Inn, bringing with them a deep appreciation for the people, traditions, and character that make this town so special. Brian’s large Italian family grew up in Readsboro and he has an unmatched commitment to the success of the Inn and to the community he has always called home. Casey’s connection to the Inn began around 2011 when she worked for Marcia and Nadia while attending college, forming lasting relationships with the clientele and developing a genuine devotion to the people who have supported the Inn throughout the years. Together, Brian and Casey guided the Readsboro Inn through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, determined to preserve its place in the community. Their vision for the future is simple: honor the traditions and hometown spirit that have defined the Readsboro Inn for generations while continuing to operate it as a family-run business for many years to come.
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