Bay Area Italian classic Marin Joe’s sold after 71 years, new owner keeps classics
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For generations, Marin Joe’s has been a steady presence in Corte Madera’s dining scene, known for prime rib, old-school lasagna and a sense of community that outlived trends. Opened in 1954 by Adolph Della Santina, Marin Joe’s has operated for 71 years under the same family, until now.
Earlier this year, the Della Santina family sold the restaurant, marking the first time Marin Joe’s has changed hands since its doors opened. The new owner is Chris Henry, a Marin County native and owner of Barrel House Tavern in Sausalito and Tommy’s Joynt in San Francisco. Henry also owns Herringbone Tavern, Inc., the parent company that managed Fisherman’s Grotto and Tarantino’s at Fisherman’s Wharf until their closures in 2020.
Henry’s relationship with Marin Joe’s goes back decades. As a young man, he worked at the restaurant and stayed close with the Della Santina family. That local tie is shaping his plan for the business: update the space, keep the menu steady and bring back familiar faces.
A classic in transition
The restaurant closed temporarily this summer for renovations that will bring the building up to modern codes and refresh its aging interior. While details on the reopening are still vague, Barrel House Tavern general manager Attila Danku confirmed that the renovations will not mean a total overhaul. He described the updates as necessary but respectful of the restaurant’s legacy.
“It’s a beloved restaurant, it’s a huge part of the community, and our goal is to continue that,” Danku told SFGATE. “We’re bringing it up to code, but we’ll keep the traditions that have been here for 71 years.”
Many longtime staff members are expected to return when Marin Joe’s reopens. Loyal patrons will still find prime rib, Caesar salads tossed tableside and other staples that made the place feel unchanged since the 1950s.
A track record in local dining
Henry’s involvement adds a layer of complexity. His company, Herringbone Tavern, Inc., faced legal battles with the Port of San Francisco over Fisherman’s Grotto and Tarantino’s. The city sought eviction for unpaid rent in 2023; Herringbone Tavern countersued, claiming the city owed millions for neglected maintenance and broken promises about preserving the Wharf’s historic character.
Earlier, in 2018, Henry was named in local coverage about alleged poor conditions at a Fresno apartment complex he owned. Despite controversy, Henry has kept a visible presence in the Bay Area’s dining scene. His other properties, like Barrel House Tavern, are known for waterfront views and a broad local following.
For Marin Joe’s, the new ownership comes with expectations: update what must be updated, but protect the core experience. As Corte Madera continues to shift, longtime businesses like Marin Joe’s carry weight with locals who prize tradition in a region where restaurants come and go fast.
A symbol of continuity
Marin Joe’s connection to Original Joe’s in San Francisco roots it even deeper in local history. When Adolph Della Santina opened Marin Joe’s, he did so to have his own space separate from the Original Joe’s family. That decision built a loyal following that has stretched across generations, drawing families back for familiar meals.
The new ownership is banking on that loyalty enduring through a short closure and fresh paint. So far, local reaction has focused on relief that the core menu and staff will remain. As the kitchen updates and dining room get new life, the community is watching for signs that Marin Joe’s will reopen with its identity intact.
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