Food & Drink

Pepino's Restaurant in Sylvan Lake Closing After Nearly 38 Years

November 01, 2021, 3:42 PM by  Allan Lengel


Spaghettini with clams and marinara sauce is a $23 entree at the Oakland County restaurant. (Photos: Facebook)

After nearly 38 years in business, Pepino's, which was known for its traditional Italian dishes, fresh boneless trout, veal, steaks and lamb chops, is closing on Orchard Lake Road in Sylvan Lake.

On Facebook on Friday, the restaurant posts:

We weren’t expecting it so soon, but everything has an ending.  Pepino’s, after almost 38 years will be saying goodbye to all her friends, family, and especially staff.

It was a great run.  She made so many beautiful friends, saw first dates, engagements, new babies, and goodbyes. She was with us all while we danced to music, sang Happy Birthday to our loved ones, and enjoyed gathering with our families. She couldn’t ask for more, loaded with “remember when’s.” 

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Sirloin steak is on the all-American menu that won't last much longer.

The item doesn't give a closing date. The restaurant is normally closed on Monday and no one answered the phone. 

Swiss Chef Joe Bernardi, who had been the executive chef for Henry Ford II and Lee Iacocca, opened the restaurant in 1984 with his wife Helma.

In 2015, a fire destroyed the restaurant in Walled Lake. 

"In less than 8 weeks, we rose from the ashes" at the new site, its website says. In recent years, daughters Kathy Morley and Carol Carson ran the restaurant.

The news disappoints customers who comment on Pepino's Facebook page:

Suzy Harris Modiano: Nooooooooooooo!! My 92 year old Dad will miss the white bean salad. We will miss everything.

Rachel Charlupski: Got the chills reading this, very sad to hear. All of the memories will be with us forever.

Rochelle Upfal: Thank you for providing a wonderful, warm and delicious place to enjoy family and friends, fun nights out and special celebrations. My daughter’s 1st night out as a 3 week old baby almost 32 years ago. Thanks for being the very best and for amazing memories.

Gayle Better: This makes me soooooo EXTREMELY sad.

Fay Stone: We are so sorry that you are closing. We have so many wonderful memories of the wonderful food you served especially your fish and steaks those great drinks and how kind you were to people. Wishing you the very best. ... Sending lots of hugs.

Melissa Falb: Awww, so sad. My now-hubby of 16 years and I had our first date there in 2004. We have since lived in four other states, but had hoped to make it back some day to celebrate. Best wishes and thanks for the memories!

Karen Morisette: So sad to hear. Pepino’s was our Wednesday night “Cheers” bar for the last 5 years. THANK YOU for being our “family” and making us feel so welcome with wonderful meals!



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