Historic Hubbell House to start 2022 under new ownership
Dec. 2—MANTORVILLE — After a pandemic-caused delay, the transfer of one of Minnesota's oldest eateries from one well-known restaurateur family to another is on the menu for 2022.
In February 2020, the Pappas family announced that they were selling the historic Hubbell House in Mantorville to Rochester's Powers family. Then COVD-19 knocked the transition off track.
On Wednesday, it was announced on the Hubbell House Facebook page that the change is back on track.
"On January 1, 2022, Powers Ventures will take ownership of the Hubbell House and we will close for a few months for a kitchen renovation," according to the posting. "The front of the house will remain mostly as it is now, and the atmosphere and historic theme will remain the same for all to enjoy."
The Hubbell House, established in 1854 as a stagecoach stop between Winona and St. Peter, was renovated and turned into an iconic supper club steak house by Paul Pappas in 1946. The Pappas family expanded the limestone building and the restaurant earned a reputation of one of Minnesota's best.
The hope is to only be closed for a few months with the goal to re-open in April.
Joe Powers, whose company owns and manages Rochester's Canadian Honker, the Mayowood Stone Barn and the Rochester International Events Center, said in February 2020 that longtime fans of the Hubbell House will find a familiar menu and many of the same staff after the change in ownership.
"I really like the history aspect to it. This is important to keep the Pappas legacy alive at the Hubbell House," said Powers at the time of the original announcement.
It wasn't just the award-winning Hubbell House that earned the Pappas family its reputation for Minnesota hospitality. Starting with the Brown Derby Cafe and the Old Covered Wagon, they honed their skills in Rochester.
In 1951, the brothers opened a downtown restaurant and named it after their father, Michaels. It was the most popular spot in the Med City for decades. Paired with the Hubbell House, the family dominated the southeastern Minnesota restaurant landscape.
To conclude the week's Facebook statement, the Pappas family expressed their gratitude for their customers.
"Throughout our history, we've always said we have the best customers and staff. The past 21 months have been challenging and unpredictable, yet our hearts are so full. The loyalty, support, flexibility and patience of our customers and staff have been invaluable," concluded the message.
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