January marks a significant month for our team as we remember Frank Bommarito, the esteemed founder of the Bommarito Automotive Group, on the first anniversary of his passing. Frank's life was a tapestry of hard work, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to his community. This commemoration is a tribute to a man whose contributions have profoundly shaped the automotive industry in Missouri and set a standard for excellence and integrity. more The Early Years: Building a Foundation Frank Bommarito's automotive career began with humble roots at McMahon Pontiac, where he started by undercoating cars and working as a car porter and jockey. His dedication and hard work, coupled with his time in the US Navy where he received a Golden Glove award for boxing, laid the groundwork for his future success. Upon returning from the Navy, Frank continued his career at McMahon Pontiac in 1954, eventually climbing the ladder to sales and then on to management at Vincel Pontiac. His dream of being a new car dealer materialized in 1971 when General Motors handed him an Oldsmobile dealer in Ellisville, MO, marking the start of what would become the Bommarito Automotive Group. Under Frank's stewardship, Bommarito Oldsmobile not only became Missouri's largest Oldsmobile dealership but also maintained its status among the nation's top ten. But his initial success was not confined to a single brand; it was merely a springboard for expansion--each new venture was marked by Frank's signature blend of tenacity and foresight, as seen in the enduring success of Bommarito Mazda in Ellisville as the largest Missouri Mazda dealer for over 17 of their 43 years of operation. His vision encompassed the St. Louis Metro area, elevating the North County Nissan in Hazelwood to the status of Missouri's largest volume Nissan dealership. Extending further into West County, the establishment of Bommarito Buick GMC and Bommarito INFINITI in Ellisville continue to reinforce the Bommarito name as a significant cornerstone in Missouri's automotive history. Sustaining Impact and Growth The transition of leadership to his son, John Bommarito, in 1998, was a seamless passing of the torch. This period saw significant expansions and acquisitions, including the introduction of new brands like Pontiac, Suzuki, Buick, Honda, and Volkswagen, each reflecting the group's commitment to diversity and customer choice. The South County region soon became a new home for the Bommarito Chevrolet addition in 2008 as General Motors began shifting its focus away from Pontiac, welcoming a new auto brand powerhouse to the Bommarito family business, to accompany the already-successful Bommarito Mazda South (formerly Pontiac-Mazda). Even after handing over the reins of the Bommarito Automotive Group to John, Frank's influence remained a guiding force. The group's expansion under John's leadership, bringing the group total to 20 franchises and locations in every St. Louis neighborhood, continued to reflect Frank's vision and principles. Frank's ethos, centered around hard work and community service, was instilled in the group's over 1000 team members, ensuring that his legacy of being Missouri's #1 Auto Dealer and a top national dealership endured. The Bommarito Auto Group's growth was not about adding brands for the sake of notoriety; it was about creating a legacy that car buyers could rely on for life—Frank’s vision of having "a vehicle in our portfolio for every type of buyer" bloomed into a lifetime family mission that has become revered by the community today, with John's continued dedication in the business reflecting Frank's tenacity in which so many have been inspired by. A Fulfilling Life Beyond the Family Business Frank's life was rich and multifaceted, extending well beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his heartfelt generosity and his belief that giving someone a job was the best form of help a person could offer. He’s remembered as an accomplished Gin Rummy and Poker player, and he deeply cherished his weekly gatherings with friends, whom he affectionately nicknamed his "Cronies." He also had a well-known passion for writing which led him to author a weekly column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for over a decade, sharing his business insights and personal experiences as a well-versed entrepreneur during the recession of 2008. In 2015, he was honored as the Time Dealer of the Year for his community contributions, and his alma mater, St. Mary’s High School, was named in his honor. Frank's legacy lives on through his family, including his beloved wife Lisa, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved (and cleverly named) dogs, Sinatra, Deano, Bishop, and Pavé. As we commemorate the first anniversary of Frank Bommarito's passing, we reflect on a legacy that has truly transcended the automotive industry. His journey from a car washer to a revered industry leader is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the community he so deeply cared for. Frank Bommarito's story is not just about cars--it's about the indelible mark he left on the St. Louis Metro area and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy, carried forward by both his family and the Bommarito Auto Group, continues to drive forward, fueled by the same principles that Frank held dear. In remembering Frank, we celebrate a life that was truly driven by passion, vision, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
St. Louis, MO, is a perfect blend of Midwest and Southern culture. There are plenty of fun things to do in and around town, including finding a terrific local golf course for a few rounds with friends. Here are some of the best golf courses you'll find in St. Louis. 3 Favorite Golf Courses in St. Louis, MO Forest Park Golf Course On the west side of town, you'll find three well-maintained nine-hole courses and top-notch practice facilities at Forest Park Golf Course. You can play the 27 holes in a variety of combinations for a different playing experience each time you visit. You'll also find the staff to be super friendly and helpful; the worker in the pro shop is especially knowledgeable and can offer advice on the best equipment and accessories. The natural backdrop to the attractive greens and undulating fairways of this course makes for an ideal golfing environment. They have a unique and gorgeous extra area to explore with natural water features; the picturesque surroundings make the venue a popular venue for wedding photography. Visit this much-loved city golf course at 6141 Lagoon Drive. more Eagle Springs Golf Course The terrific 18-hole, 6,583-yard championship course at Eagle Springs Golf Course plays to Par 72 from the back tees, offering a nice challenge for novices and more experienced golfers alike. The large, carefully cultivated greens and rolling terrains are a pleasure to play and stroll across, and you'll find a variety of well-placed bunkers along the way. The popular clubhouse restaurant has stunning panoramic views from its patio seating, a perfect place for a delicious meal after a busy morning on the fairways. It's also a popular venue for business meetings and special events. You'll find the course at 2575 Redman Avenue. Ruth Park Golf Course Since 1931, this fantastic nine-hole golf course has been a popular place for the region's golfers. Created by a world-renowned designer, the Ruth Park Golf Course has beautiful bent-grass greens and a gently hilly terrain surrounded by lush woodland. The tee boxes, fairways, and greens are kept in tip-top shape by the diligent ground crew. They have 25 hitting areas in their driving range, lessons for anyone who needs to fine-tune their game, and regular tournaments. Head to Ruth Park Golf Course in the north of St. Louis at 8211 Groby Road. If you drive there in your new 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Select AWD, you can store all the golfing equipment you need in your car's spacious cargo space with room to spare. After your next fun day of golf, visit Bommarito Mazda South County. We offer an excellent range of vehicles, competitive deals, and consistently high-quality customer service.
A spacious SUV equipped with the latest safety features like the Mazda CX-9 is everything that you could want in a family vehicle. Next time you're taking your family for a ride in the St. Louis, MO area, check out these local family restaurants for a meal that everybody can enjoy together, making memories that will last a lifetime. 5 Family Restaurants Worth the Drive Near St. Louis, MO 1. The Fountain on Locust With kids menu options, vegan dishes, and plenty of other tasty options, there's something for the whole family at The Fountain on Locust. One dish we can't recommend highly enough is their BBQ mac and cheese bowl. Smoky BBQ chicken and crispy onion straws served over a heaping mound of cheesy pasta made this dish an instant favorite of ours. Eat at 3037 Locust Street for a meal your whole family will love. 2. Chris' Pancake and Dining Looking for the perfect breakfast your whole family will be able to agree on? The delicious pancakes grilled up at Chris' Pancake and Dining are an option you can't go wrong with. Breakfast is served all day at this spot, so you can get a tall stack of their original recipe panca, no matter when the craving strikes. Bring your family down for a meal at 5980 Southwest Avenue. more 3. Food Hall The folks at Food Hall promise your stomach will thank you for choosing this restaurant for your next meal. Your family will thank you too once they get a taste of all the terrific grub served here. You can find just about anything you or someone in your family is craving here, but the hot and fresh pizza is the best of the bunch if you ask us. Check out all the exciting options at 3730 Foundry Way. 4. Kingside Diner Join the club at Kingside Diner to stay up-to-date on all the events going on here, letting you plan your visit with your family accordingly. Whenever you stop in, be sure to try the delicious burgers grilled here, which you can customize with toppings like caramelized onions and avocado. Find all your diner favorites at 236 North Euclid Avenue. 5. Hodak's Restaurant While the fried chicken at Hodak's Restaurant is the stuff of local legend, that's not all you and your family can feast on when you visit this spot together. We also love their country-fried steak sandwich, which makes for a meaty and hearty handheld meal. Order up at 2100 Gravois Avenue for a meal that won't let you down. These local restaurants will treat your family like a part of their family. Our dealership team promises the same level of customer service. Come to Bommarito Mazda South County today for the best service you'll get anywhere!
