The Refectory, which means "A Communal Dining Hall", was started by Bill McCormick in 1968, the current owner of Jakes Crawfish. After building several outlets throughout the west coast, the restaurant sold to Saga Foods, Inc., who operated The Refectory for six years and sold to C.P. Stores. In 1980 C.P. Stores changed the name to Harry's Bar & Grill.

 In 1982 Mitch and Cecile Stanley purchased the restaurant and changed the name back to The Refectory with the goal to bring back quality and consistency. Three years later a remodel was needed to accommodate the increase in business. In 1987 another remodel was required to enlarge to current size of 14,000 square feet. We featured a 168 seat dining room, three full bars and a daylight 350 seat banquet room.

Since 1989 we have been listed in the national publication Restaurant Hospitality, as one of the top 500 independently owned restaurants in the nation. We feel our success is due, in large part, to our employees who strive to provide quality, consistency and friendly service on our restaurant and banquet side and a fun and entertaining lounge.