Tony Vallone
(1945-2020)
President & CEO
Vallone Restaurant Group
Tony Vallone (1945-2020) was a legendary Houston restaurateur. Vallone was born in January 1945, in Houston, and was raised by his loving grandmother, Maria Aiello Vallone. He was a second generation Italian-American, and his passion for all things Italian began at an early age. He was introduced to the kitchen by his Neapolitan grandmother, and from there, his love affair with cooking began.
From his early days at Tony’s Restaurant on Sage, to the more upscale, fine dining days on Post Oak, Vallone changed the dining landscape of Houston forever. In 2005, he moved his flagship restaurant to its current location at Greenway Plaza, trading the more opulent décor for a fresher, more contemporary feel. For 55 years, Vallone wined and dined local Houstonians, out-of-towners, movie stars like Sophia Loren, musicians like Luciano Pavarotti, dignitaries and almost every US president, since Lyndon B. Johnson. With his ability to source the highest quality ingredients in the world, his attention to detail and his "fine dining but friendly" motto, Vallone was able to make Houstonians feel like the world was at their feet. Today, Vallone’s restaurant and catering remain at the forefront of the Houston dining scene.
In addition to his flagship restaurant, Vallone owned and operated many other notable restaurants in Houston, such as Anthony’s, Caffé Bello, Ciao Bello, Grotto, La Griglia, Vallone’s, Los Tonyos and Tony’s Ballroom. Vallone was an active member in the Houston community, serving on the boards of Boys and Girls Country, Memorial Hermann Foundation, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of 探花视频ors and the Hilton College Advisory Board (Emeritus) and Dean’s Advisory Board.
Although Vallone, the restaurateur, was elegant and formal, in his everyday life, he was much more casual. He loved the simple things and would often be found at home, watering his plants out back in his favorite white t-shirt, Italian music playing in the background and pasta cooking on the stove. Vallone was a man of routine, from his daily work schedule to his Monday and Wednesday lunch bunches and his Saturday coffee with friends.
Vallone also never met a stranger and loved to host his friends and family in his home. His doors were open to everyone, and he would welcome you with a big smile and an even bigger hug. Holidays at the Vallone’s were legendary. Those lucky to experience Vallone and his wife, Donna, will forever hold memories of big family gatherings filled with hustle bustle, joy, warmth, laughter, cheer, Italian music and, of course, traditional Italian comfort food. Love was always the most important of all.
For Vallone, food may have been his passion, but family was his heart. Family wasn’t just the most important thing, it was everything - it started with his devotion to his loving wife. It was in 1981 when Vallone’s life changed forever, as he met Donna. Friends at first, but quickly life partners, the pair were married on February 12, 1984 and were inseparable ever since. Their love story is one for the history books and that love permeated their family. Together, they raised five children and, to use dining words, their plates were always full! He was their greatest mentor, devoted teacher, fiercest protector and biggest fan.
Vallone passed away peacefully, at his home, on Thursday, September 10, 2020, in Houston, Texas. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna; daughter Lauri Vallone Mazzini and husband, Remo; son Joseph Charles Vallone; son John Frank Vallone and wife, Carrie; daughter Lia Grace Vallone; and seven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Lester Vallone.
Vallone always said, “you are only as good as your last meal.” By those standards and so much more, Vallone left this world a better and tastier, place.