Can you tell us the story of Luigi’s and how it became a Bakersfield institution?

Luigi’s has been serving the Bakersfield community since 1910, making it one of the city’s most enduring family-owned businesses. What began with Gino’s parents has grown through five generations of family leadership. While tradition remains at the heart of everything Luigi’s does, the restaurant has continued to evolve over the years. That balance between honoring its roots and embracing growth has allowed Luigi’s to remain a Bakersfield favorite for more than a century.

How has the restaurant evolved over the years while maintaining its traditions?

One of the keys to Luigi’s longevity has been its ability to grow without losing sight of what made it successful in the first place. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded its event offerings, added new spaces, and adapted to the changing needs of guests, all while maintaining the warm hospitality, family atmosphere, and commitment to quality that have defined Luigi’s for generations.

Luigi’s has been a longtime part of the Bakersfield community. What does that connection mean to you?

Being part of the Bakersfield community means everything to the Luigi’s team. Ownership remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations, with Gino often present at the restaurant, greeting guests and checking in with team members. That hands-on approach creates a culture where employees feel valued and guests feel like family.

Many team members have built long careers at Luigi’s, helping foster strong relationships, exceptional communication, and a genuine sense of community that extends far beyond the restaurant walls. Lis, General Manager of Luigi’s, joined the team in 2007 as a server. When the restaurant’s manager departed in 2011, she was asked to step into the management role. At the time, Luigi’s operated with a much smaller team and hosted primarily daytime restaurant service with only a handful of evening events. As private events became more frequent, it became clear that stronger communication and coordination were needed between daytime operations and nighttime functions.

In 2012, Lis took over the restaurant’s private events program, giving her a unique perspective with a foot in both the restaurant and event sides of the business. Today, Noah serves as the Night Event Manager, while Chandlier oversees restaurant operations as Restaurant Manager. Under Lis’s leadership, Luigi’s expanded and refined its event offerings, helping transition the venue into a destination for a wider variety of celebrations and corporate gatherings.

A major milestone came in 2018 with the opening of The Warehouse. This expansion transformed Luigi’s event capabilities, allowing the team to host larger daytime events in addition to the evening functions they had traditionally offered. The addition of The Warehouse marked a new chapter for Luigi’s, significantly growing its presence in Bakersfield’s event industry while maintaining the personalized hospitality the restaurant has always been known for.

Event Hosting & Private Functions

What types of events do you host most frequently?

While Luigi’s hosts a variety of celebrations, corporate events, community gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and social functions make up the majority of its event calendar. The restaurant is also proud to host many long-standing local events and organization gatherings throughout the year.

What types of corporate clients are drawn to Luigi’s?

Businesses and organizations looking for a venue with exceptional service, great food, and flexible event spaces are often drawn to Luigi’s. The Warehouse, in particular, is a popular choice for larger corporate events and can comfortably accommodate groups of around 250 guests.

When you think of successful corporate events you’ve hosted, why do you think they worked so well?

Successful events start with a dedicated team. From Gino to the dishwasher, every member of the Luigi’s team is invested in creating an exceptional experience for guests. There is a genuine sense of pride, positivity, and commitment throughout the organization that can’t simply be taught—it comes from people who truly care about one another and the work they do.

At Luigi’s, every team member has a voice and plays an important role in the restaurant’s success. The culture is built around core values of teamwork, efficiency, happiness, and outstanding customer service. Managers are dedicated to supporting their teams, regularly checking in to understand both professional and personal needs, fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Weddings & Celebrations

What wedding-related events can be hosted at Luigi’s?

Although weddings represent a smaller portion of Luigi’s event business, the venue is well-equipped to host engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and post-wedding celebrations. The team is experienced in transforming event spaces quickly and efficiently to accommodate different event styles and guest counts.

What do couples love most about choosing Luigi’s for their celebration?

Couples often tell us they love Luigi’s because of the personalized service and flexibility they receive throughout the planning process. The team embraces a “yes” mentality, always looking for ways to accommodate special requests and create memorable experiences. Guests are treated like family, and that level of care shines through in every celebration.

What opportunities are there for customization of the menu or event experience?

Luigi’s offers a variety of customization options to meet each client’s needs. The culinary team can accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests, and clients can choose from family-style service, plated meals, and other dining formats depending on the event style and guest experience they envision.

Venue Spaces & Logistics

Tell us about the event spaces available for private gatherings.

Luigi’s offers three distinct event spaces, providing options for everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations and corporate events. Restaurant, patio, and warehouse.

Do you offer both intimate gatherings and larger events?

Absolutely. Whether hosting a small private dinner or a large event with hundreds of guests, Luigi’s has flexible spaces and experienced staff to accommodate a wide range of event sizes.

How far in advance should clients book?

For the best availability, especially during peak event seasons and for Friday through Sunday dates, Luigi’s recommends booking approximately one year in advance.

Collaboration & Vendor Relationships

What do you appreciate most when working with planners such as Fairy Godmother Events?

Organization, communication, and trust are invaluable. Having a professional planner who provides clear timelines, detailed agendas, and logistical support allows the Luigi’s team to focus on delivering exceptional service.

The strongest partnerships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and confidence in each other’s expertise.

How does your team help reduce stress for hosts and event planners?

Experience matters. With a long-tenured team and decades of event expertise, Luigi’s is able to anticipate needs, solve challenges proactively, and provide dependable support throughout the planning process. Clients can feel confident knowing they have an experienced team behind them every step of the way.

Hospitality & Guest Experience

What values guide the way you serve clients and event guests?

The Luigi’s team is guided by core values that include teamwork, efficiency, happiness, and exceptional customer service. These principles influence every interaction and help create experiences that feel warm, welcoming, and memorable.

Closing Questions

What does a successful, seamless event look like from your perspective?

A successful event is one where guests feel cared for, hosts can relax and enjoy the experience, and every detail comes together effortlessly. Behind the scenes, it takes teamwork, communication, and preparation, but from the guest perspective, it should feel seamless.

How would you describe a Luigi’s event experience in three words?

Treated like family.

If Luigi’s could host any dream event, what would it be?

Some of the team’s favorite events take place during the fall, when guests can enjoy the outdoor patio beneath the string lights and surrounded by the property’s beautiful lemon trees. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and uniquely Luigi’s—creating the perfect setting for memorable celebrations.

What experience do you hope every event guest leaves with?

We hope every guest leaves feeling welcomed, valued, and connected. Whether they are attending a corporate event, an intimate celebration, or community gathering, we want them to remember not only the food and atmosphere, but also the genuine hospitality that makes Luigi’s feel like home.

General Manager / Event Coordinator

Lis Clarke has been employed with Luigi’s since 2007. Named restaurant and catering manager in 2011 and now general manager of Luigi’s, Lis strives to make each day a special experience for every customer. Lis encourages everyone to come to Luigi’s where you’ll always have a delicious meal and be treated like family.

Contact Lis at [email protected]