In 1972 Anna and Willi Reithofer (Oma & Opa) and their sons, Josef and Hans, opened the Old Vienna Restaurant in the Shell Beach area of Pismo Beach, California, serving home-cooked meals. Some of the menu selections were from traditional recipes Willi had known in Turnau, Austria. Some recipes came from Anna's family, who owned a restaurant in Nurnberg, Germany.

Their goal was to create an authentic Old Country atmosphere on the Central Coast of California. Anna drew the original design of the restaurant and decorated in the traditional style. She personally welcomed guests and made sure they were comfortable. At the end of the evening, Willi would leave the kitchen and play his accordion, occasionally accompanied by Hans on the clarinet. Guests, full from a meal of European specialties prepared in the traditional German and Austrian manner, would tap their feet, clap along, and sometimes contribute vocals.

In 1992, Josef (Sepp), his wife, Jessie, and their three children (Zoa, Seppi and Heidi) took over operation of the business. Many of you may remember the children growing up, working as bussers or doing their homework at the corner table. Seppi became famous near and far as "the little accordion player."

In 2007, Zoa, Seppi and Heidi took the reins of Old Vienna, operating the restaurant under a newly formed corporation. They soon invited their brother Mike Mosier, who has returned to the Central Coast, and Heidi's husband Toby Mitchell to join them as partners. Although Seppi remains in the Navy, his return is expected in the winter of 2009.

The restaurant continues today in much the same way as it did in the past, with only a few modifications, which include the covered beer garden, a full service bar featuring a fun and affordable appetizer menu, entertainment every Friday night, and of course the best Oktoberfest celebration from LA to SF.