NEW ORLEANS – Lakeview restaurateur Tony "Mr. Tony" Angello, know for his beloved Creole Italian dishes and his multi course “Feed Me” menu served at his Tony Angello’s Ristorante, has died at 88.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued a statement upon Angello’s passing stating, “Tony Angello was a wonderful human being and a great ambassador for the city of New Orleans. He brought laughter and joy to everyone he met, and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and many friends during this difficult time.”
Angello, who was honored as Restaurateur of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association in 2009, opened Tony Angello's Ristorante in 1972 at the corner of Fleur de Lis Drive and Harrison Avenue.
A permanent fixture at his restaurant, Angello wasn’t deterred after Hurricane Katrina when the 17th Street levee breach put 11 feet of water in the building for almost three weeks.
On May 9, 2007, Angello reopened his eatery and could be seen in the kitchen and dining rooms at the restaurant up until a few months ago.
WWL-TV’s Dominic Massa reports Angello was in poor health after suffering from a fall, and dies after surgery complications.
Tony Angello's Ristorante reopened Wednesday night.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
