Frank Martinetti

Everyone entering "Martinetti's" restaurant was accustomed to being greeted by Lucille Martinetti, who was always at the front. From 1946, until retiring in 1976, Frank and Lucille were the most visible, highly respected, "hands on" couple in the business. Known for innovative menus, outstanding quality and personal service, clients regularly came from as far as Milwaukee and Chicago.

Frank was born of Italian immigrants who settled in the coal-mining town of Mark, IL where he met - and married - Lucille in 1933. She had already owned her own grocery store and taught him merchandising - as well as how to butcher a whole cow. (Until the restaurant closed, sides of beef were hung in the kitchen cooler and every steak served was cut personally by Frank.)

The Martinettis started their career by moving to Rockford, IL where they opened "The Ideal Grocery". Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Carolyn, in 1937, Frank, a natural entrepreneur, built "The Farmer's Market", Rockfords' first "supermarket". It included such innovations as the state's first open-air produce coolers. His businesses grew and expanded into restaurants, where knowledge of quality foodstuffs prevailed and made great dinning an everyday experience.

The Martinettis bought property in Crystal Lake, on Rte. 14 in 1946. It was a large frame building, housing a restaurant, lounge, a 30 room hotel and a personal residence for the family. In 1955, it was completely destroyed by a fire.

The Martinettis moved to Las Vegas for two years where they owned and operated the then - small city's only "health food" store.

In 1957, the family moved back to Crystal Lake where, on the same site, award-winning architects and designers created a new "Martinetti's". It housed a 500 seat restaurant, a lounge featuring a Theatre Pipe Organ, a 24 hour coffee shop and a 100 room motel.

Always the innovator, Frank introduced many concepts here that today we take for granted, such as the "all-you-can-eat" Friday Fish Fry, Wednesday Chicken, and Sunday Buffets. Even the "salad bar" was introduced by Frank. Using nationally celebrated entertainment for both the opening and closing of the Crystal Lake landmark was just another of his ideas.

The most remarkable side of Frank Martinetti was the one the public never saw. His kindness and generosity to family and charity may have been known but he also financially supported those he knew in need. He never raised his voice to or was unkind to anyone - with employees loyal to him for 35 years. He was a quiet pillar of the community who will be missed.

Frank Martinetti was born at home in Mark, IL November 26, 1909. He died at home, of natural causes, in Crystal Lake, June 24, 2007. Survivors include his daughter, Carolyn Collins; and two grandchildren, Aaron and Rachel Collins. Private services have already been held.