From l-r, Chef Tom Bates, Owner Jerry Hayes and Restaurant Manger Christian Hamilton
Bella’s 25th Anniversary
This month marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Bella Union Restaurant, one of Jacksonville’s most treasured and enduring dining establishments. The Bella’s owner and beloved leader is Jerry Hayes, a man who feels grateful for being in business for a quarter century in Jacksonville.
“First off, I’m very proud that the Bella Union has become a gathering place for locals for the last 25 years… and a memorable stop for tourists visiting Southern Oregon,” Jerry says. Hayes is also keenly aware of how many locals decided to move to Jacksonville after falling in love with the town over lunch or dinner at his place…especially during the summer months while dining on the patio under the legendary canopy of wisteria vines that provide shade and ambiance. “Yeah, customers do tell me the Bella factored into their first impression of town…and it’s always nice to hear that we helped create a good and lasting image.”
When Hayes bought the Bella, the business had been closed for two years, making for an uncertain but exciting future. “My goal when I opened, in June of 1988, was to create a fun, casual atmosphere that was welcoming to sophisticated diners as well as families… and certainly a place where the citizens of Jacksonville could feel comfortable.” Today, although pleased about providing a vibrant community gathering place, Jerry is most proud of the quality employees he’s attracted, trained and maintained over the years.
Today, a few Bella employees who started with Hayes in 1988 are still with him, including Chef Tom Bates and Christian Hamilton. Recently, Tom’s daughter Megan started working at the Bella while in high school and will work summers while home from college. Chris, who started as a bus boy at age 15, is now the Bella’s Restaurant Manager. Last year, his 18-year old son, Isaac, started working as a busboy while still in high school and also plans to pay his way through college bussing and waiting tables. Chris, who’s also a successful real estate agent with Windermere Real Estate here in town, notes that the Bella is a place that has sparked lots of marriages, including his own!
Hayes is all grins when he talks about the number of employees, including Tom and Chris, who now have children working in the restaurant—more than eight current employees are on what he deems his “next generation” list.
Although the Bella Union became one of the region’s most successful restaurants, it was not a forgone conclusion twenty-five years ago when Jacksonville’s commercial core was struggling. Hayes deserves credit for standing the test of time and taking big risks to weather economic storms.
One way Hayes beat the winter business doldrums was by creating Oysters and Ales—now in its 14th year. All year long, musicians play in the Bella’s bar, adding to events that attract people to town. “Events like it have become very successful which are great for the Bella and other businesses in town, especially during the off-season when everyone needs a shot in the arm.”
Jerry invites everyone to Bellabration XXV—which promises to be another fun event. The event will feature wine tasting and appetizers on the patio, as well as jazz music from David Pinsky’s Rhythm Kings Quartet, a 25-year performer at the Bella. “My vision is for this event to attract as many of the old Bella employees and regular customers to a grand reunion that will be a fun evening, as well as a spring board for moving ahead for 25 more years!”