A true family-style eatery: Three brothers at center of every Jack’s Restaurant

With a hard-to-miss sign on El Camino Real, blazoned with Hollywood-style light bulbs that spell out “Jack’s,” the San Mateo location, opened in 2014, is the third addition to the business. The first one in Pleasant Hill launched in 2010, followed by a second opening in San Bruno the following year.

To the familial business partners, running a growing chain of restaurants takes more than providing a comfortable place with good food. It is about extending themselves and translating their experiences and family values into every aspect of operations.

As teenagers growing up in Concord, the Marcovici boys spent most of their time working at their parent’s cafe, Eleni’s, named after their mom. Their devotion to mom and dad meant having a modified teenage life. Instead of going out, friends came to the restaurant to hang out, said John Marcovici.

“We would to go there after hours and drink beer, but my mom knows about it now,” he said.

Fond of good times, good food and great company, John Marcovici and his brothers created Jack’s, named after their grandfather, with the sense of celebration at restaurants with which they grew up. The family sold Eleni’s in 1989.

“We’re really into having fun,” said John Marcovici.

Inside every restaurant, pictures of the family line the walls, giving customers a glimpse into the lives of the restaurateurs. The casual ambiance with modern furnishings, cozy booths and dark tables are supposed to make customers feel like they are gathering at someone’s home.

“We like high energy, a sense of community, an open floor plan and an active bar with cool lights and illuminated bar tops,” said John Marcovici.

Prior to Jack’s, the brothers explored their own paths and had different careers. John Marcovici got a master’s degree from San Francisco State University and became a public speaking teacher.

David Marcovici, became a chef, working at several East Bay restaurants while Chris Marcovici was in Los Angeles managing events promotions.

Reuniting and becoming partners felt natural, said John Marcovici. Their differences complement each other and contribute to the whole business. David Marcovici originated the menu and now oversees the kitchen, and John Marcovici handles daily operations and human resources with Chris Marcovici. Their parents are not involved with the business, but their influence touches Jack’s restaurants in many ways.

As a family of Greek descent, the menu includes recipes from their mom’s kitchen and dishes with flavors familiar to kitchens from all types of families.

Pot roast, burgers, pasta, Asian chicken salads, hummus and pita, are included in the extensive menu that John Marcovici calls American contemporary comfort food.

Besides classic American staples, “it’s ethnic dishes that have become American. It’s tried, true and accessible,” John Marcovici said.

“Hospitality industry is our passion, we love our guests and our staff is family. That makes Jack’s what it is,” said John Marcovici.

While business grows, so does the family. As John Marcovici celebrates the birth of his third child, Yianni, and Chris Marcovici welcomes a new baby boy, the brothers complete designs for a fourth location. It is expected to break ground in Newark by next year.