Vintage Matches

Umberto "Bert" Rovere was born the November 23 (or by other accounts November 29 or possibly 20), 1890 in Turin, Italy. His "nick-name" was "Five by Five" (apparently an affectionate reference to his height and weight when he was in his late fifties). In 1906 (or alternatively at age 12 by other accounts), he came to New York and worked at the Waldorf-Astoria as a bus boy. He married Virginia Pierce Trivelli. He had three brothers, Dino, Ettore, and Mario, and one sister, Emma, who married famous restaurateur Joseph Musso (of Musso and Frank's Grill). He arrived in Los Angeles in 1920. He purchased the already existing but closed Paris Inn Cafe in December of 1924. The Paris in was previously owned by Rovere's employer, "Madam Zucca", who also had another restaurant featuring her name (Bert worked there in various capacities including head waiter and of course entertainment). He had previously worked as a well-known opera singer (baritone) in the San Carlo Opera Company and Metropolitan Opera Company and also a wrestling promoter, a boxer and a star in Vaudeville. Given his former sports involvement, well known sports figures, including early race car drivers, frequented the Paris Inn Cafe under Rovere's management. Early on the Paris Inn Cafe was located at 110 E. Market Street (near the Post Office and across from the Civic Center) and featured dancing and orchestras along with dinner. It was most famous for it's singing waiters, which was an idea Rovere was credited with inventing. It featured both French and Italian cuisine. He eventually took on a partner at the Paris Inn, a Mr. Innocente Pedroli. He continued to sing in guest appearances on the radio and sang nightly of course at the Paris Inn. Opera stars, given their friendship with Mr. Rovere, also naturally frequented the Paris Inn.

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