More than half a century ago, Campbell Wallace Glover returned to his native Guntersville to build the Glover Hotel. It was 1933. Much of the country was still reeling from economic disaster, but Glover believed he could succeed. He’d been an army cook, and Pullman diner operator, and had managed hotels in Eutaw and Livingston, Alabama.
Superior service helped ensure The Glover’s success, but it was the Glover family’s good nature, warm personality and ability to extend hospitality that made The Glover a significant part of Guntersville’s history. Guntersville’s only hotel for years The Glover was the site of club meetings, elegant parties and other get-togethers. It became THE place to go with family and friends.
After Mr. Glover’s death, it was sold at auction in the 1950’s by Mrs. Glover and her son to Marshall County to house the Department of Pensions and Security (which is now Department of Human Resources) for 15 years. Then in 1984, after nearly 20 years absence from the local social scene, The Glover returned to life when George Kappler bought the hotel for use as corporate offices for the Kappler Safety Group. In restoring The Glover, Kappler never lost sight of his plan to preserve the essence of this distinctive part of Guntersville’s history.
Kappler opened The Glover Restaurant in 1987 with Chef Theodore Paul where they introduced classic dining….southern style. The Glover once again thrived in the community until 1989. Afterward, several other restaurants have inhabited The Glover. In 2005, George Kappler sold The Glover to John McClendon and Marcus and Beatrice Bischof. The Bishcof’s moved their successful Restaurant LaStrada into The Glover. Restaurant LaStrada flourished until Mr. Bischof sold his business to John McClendon and to long time employees of Restaurant LaStrada, Janet Gossage and Chef Sebastien Maris.
So following in tradition, the three new owners of The Glover is returning it to it’s roots. Changing the name back to the “THE GLOVER” was the first step in recapturing the Glover’s tradition for pampering its guests with the best atmosphere, service and fine food. With fine dining, casual bar experience, outside courtyard dining and upstairs banquet facilities The Glover has something to offer everyone.
In its history, The Glover played a significant role in the lives of hundreds of people, and today The Glover carries on in the same elegant style the hotel displayed in the 1930’s. Now this charming local landmark takes on another dimension as it helps new generations create cherished memories.
You’ll enjoy visiting The Glover again and again for
Classic Dining……….Southern Style
Manager Janet Gossage
(256) 582-2250
524 Gunter Avenue
Guntersville, Alabama 35976
