Past Hospitality Wall Winners

2010 Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and its Taste of Olean Event Committee have announced its fourth class of inductees to the Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards program: Daniel Fessenden, Robert Styles, Tony Bassano, and Jim McAfee. The Hospitality Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and/or businesses who have made a significant contribution and given exceptional service to the food service/ hospitality industry in the past and who may continue to do so.

Daniel Fessenden -- Daniel “Danny” Fessenden was born in 1910 in northern Pennsylvania.  After leaving school in the 8th grade to help support his family of five siblings, he went to work in a hotel in Bradford, Pa., assisting the cook in the kitchen.  He married in the mid-1930s and soon moved to Olean to take a job that would become his career in the Olean House kitchens.

World War II interrupted his career when Danny joined the Merchant Marines, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific.   After his service, Danny returned to the Olean area to resume his culinary career working for the Marcus family, owners of the former Olean House hotel.  He would remain there for nearly 45 years except for a brief stint working around the corner at the Olean City Club.

In his years at the Olean House, Danny was Head Chef, butcher and baker in the kitchens that served the hotel.  The Coffee Shop, the Dining Room, and the Ballroom all served the WNY Friday night staple - the weekly fish fry.  Saturday nights, the Dining Room and Ballroom were opened into one large restaurant for the famous smorgasbord, featuring his prime rib, Swiss-steak, lobster bisque, and countless other items all prepared in house.  Sunday meant Danny's famous chicken and biscuits.  Danny developed and prepared all his recipes from memory.

Cooking was Danny's whole life, at work by 7 a.m. and staying until 9 p.m. or later, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  In 45 years at the Olean House, he took only two week-long vacations. 

When the Marcus family sold the hotel to the Olean Housing Authority, Danny relocated to L'Alcove Restaurant working there for about five years until he left to help open Mr. Ed's Restaurant.  He remained there as a cook until health concerns forced his retirement.  Danny died on August 4, 1979, but his mark on Olean's culinary history is remembered to this day by those that loved his food and those that worked with him.

Robert Styles -- Robert Styles has owned and operated The Chuck Wagon Restaurant for 35 years and has been a part of its storied history since its earliest years, working there as a young boy.  As a restaurant owner, Robert has relentlessly pursued the same high quality standards for his food, customer service and cleanliness that have been the cornerstone of the restaurant's reputation and success since its founding in 1955 by Robert's father-in-law.

The Chuck Wagon has truly been a family endeavor with the whole family contributing to its daily operation.  Over the early years, his family was always working by his side; his wife, Judith, welcoming guests at the door and balancing the books at home, their children scrubbing dishes, busing tables or sweeping the parking lot.

“We Love Hungry People,” as the familiar Chuck Wagon signage reads, was never just a slogan but Robert's mission for his restaurant, promising patrons a warm welcome and a made-to-order “home-cooked” meal.  He always said that the “customer was king” and he tried to treat them that way.  That customer culture still exists today thanks to Robert's years of dedication and hard work.

Robert still makes most of the specialty items himself from secret-unwritten family recipes handed down through generations since the founding but never straying far from their roots at the Chuck Wagon.  Homemade quality never seems to go out of style and, with a name like Robert “Styles,” it just has to be a little unique.

Robert continues to serve the people of Olean with love and gratitude by setting a standard of excellence to be felt and shared by all who frequent The Chuck Wagon.

Jim McAfee -- The Beef 'N' Barrel has grown since Jim McAfee bought it from Neal Goodemote in the spring of 1971.  Employed as bartender and manager of the restaurant, he took the opportunity to become owner with the intention of being in it “for the long run.” At the start, the restaurant could only seat 75 guests.  Long lines of customers at the lone entrance and the opportunity to buy additional real estate encouraged the first of the expansions which doubled the seating capacity and added another entrance.  Other additions have increased seating to 250 guests and the restaurant still has lines. 

Although its famous beef bar and homemade apple pie have been the Beef 'N' Barrel's most popular items, the menu has seen changes through the years.  Today the menu consists of specialty drinks, starters such as the flowering onion, green salads, homemade soups, side orders like hot German potato salad, Beef Bar, ground round, desserts, house favorites, char grilled choice steaks, and the daily lunch and dinner specials. 

Priorities have remained the same over the years.  The food is most important and a quiet atmosphere follows close behind.  “People can come in and just have a piece of apple pie and coffee,” Jim said, “We always take care of the food and the rest takes care of itself.” 

According to Jim, a key to maintaining a successful business is the staff. “I have an excellent crew. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for these people.”

Anthony Bassano -- Anthony Bassano began his food service career while still attending high school and working at the Castle Restaurant, assisting the cooks.  He later worked with Chef Lentola, learning basic cooking skills and helping create the Loretto dressing recipe.

Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and attended the Naval Cook and Baker School in San Diego, Ca.  After being discharged from the Navy, he returned to the Castle in 1954 where he participated in all phases of culinary work.

In 1964, he began his tenure at St. Bonaventure University, which spanned 30 years.  Starting as a chef and assistant food service manager, he assumed the role of Director of Food Services in 1979.  In this position, he was responsible for making the menus and feeding all the university students and management of The Clubhouse Restaurant.  In addition, Tony was also responsible for all campus catering and special functions which included the Olean High School Alumni Reunion banquets, the Jim Kelly Football Camp and all summer conferences held on campus.

In 1980, Tony received The Department of the Army Certificate of Achievement for continued, outstanding support of the St. Bonaventure Reserve Officers' Training Corps in the area of food service.  Tony was honored as a member of Who's Who Worldwide for demonstrating leadership and achievement in the food service industry in 1992.

Other accomplishments include assisting with the first annual St. Bonaventure Church festival, now know as “Bonafest,” and St. John's Italian Festival.  Retiring from St. Bonaventure in 1994, he continues to volunteer for various functions, sharing his experience and vast knowledge of the food service industry.

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC) and its Taste of Olean Event Committee have announced its third class of inductees to the 2009 Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards program: William “Bill” Augostini; Quinto and Dora Bagazzoli; Nicholas “Nick” Fratarcangelo; and Louis Marra.  The Hospitality Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and/or businesses who have made a significant contribution and given exceptional service to the food service/ hospitality industry in the past and who may continue to do so.

Quinto and Dora Bagazzoli - Quinto and Dora Bagazzoli, both born in Sarnano, Italy, came to America and started Quinto’s Restaurant, located at 206 Coleman Street, Olean in 1980.  In 1954, after working with his brothers in a small cafe in his hometown of Sarnano, Italy, a 22-year-old young man departed for Genova, Italy aboard a ship named Andrea Doria heading to America, the land of opportunity.

While Quinto was working in Bradford, PA, a famous local restaurateur named Patsy Piccioli met Quinto and asked him to come to Olean and be a chef for his restaurant. Four years later, he returned to Sarnano, Italy to marry his long time girlfriend Dora Manili.  Returning in February of 1960, both Quinto and Dora began working at Piccioli’s Restaurant until its closing. At that time Quinto went on to become one of the opening chefs at the new Holiday Inn hotel in Olean.

Another opportunity arose in 1969 when Quinto was hired as head chef for the Bartlett Country Club, where he was employed for 10 years.  Quinto and Dora hosted and catered many private parties for many years because he was known for his expertise in cooking wild game and fish dinners.  He taught Dora this art of cooking and she became his right hand partner in the kitchen. During this time, Quinto dreamed to open his own restaurant and he began planning for this day.

On September 25, 1980, his dream of opening a restaurant came to fruition, as the next seven years both Quinto and Dora enjoyed the opportunity to cook while working together. Quinto’s Restaurant was located at 206 Coleman Street in Olean, NY and was a small family run Italian restaurant, with seating for 40 people. Customers enjoyed the Italian cuisine as many become frequent faces especially for the homemade lunched and the specials provide on a daily basis.

Quinto and Dora hosted an Election Day Dinner, open to both Democrats and Republicans at their restaurant. The traditional dinners continued for many years. The theme is to compete in the weeks prior to Election Day but then wine and dine as friends.  After the passing of Quinto  Bagazzoli on April 27, 1987, Dora Bagazzoli continued the dream of Quinto by operating the family restaurant for 11 more years with the help of her son, Enzo Bagazzoli.  On August 31, 1998 Quinto’s Restaurant served its last meal, not to customers but to friends of the Bagazzoliís.  The two signs over the door leading to the restaurant said it all, No one leaves here hungry and You are a stranger here but once.


Bill Augostini - Bill started in the restaurant business in 1952, washing dishes at the L’Alcove Restaurant on North 4th street in Olean.   After graduating from Olean High School in 1955, he continued his education and received his degree in Food Service and Restaurant Management from Erie Community College, in Buffalo, NY.  He worked at the Castle Restaurant until 1963 when he became the director of Food Service for the Olean Public School District.

Bill purchased the Der Hut and Tavern in 1973 and in 1978 changed the name to “Augostini’s”, with Italian--American cuisine.

Bill and Joyce retired in 1991.  He is thankful for his family and friends for a successful and happy business.



Nick Fratarcangelo - Libratore Angelo Fratercangelo made his journey from Italy to America in 1904. Like most Italian immigrants, Angelo could not speak English when he arrived, however, he successfully made his mark in the restaurant business. With the help of his son Nicky, he opened a restaurant in 1948 at 475 North Union Street. Angees Restaurant remains at the same location today, some 50 years later. It is now owned and operated by his grandson, Anthony.

Nicholas Fratercangelo, also known as "Little Nicky," retired from his job at Clark Brothers in 1948 to assist his father in the management of Angees Restaurant. In the early 1960's Angelo retired and passed the restaurant on to Nicky. For the next 25 years, Nicky added a personal touch which made the restaurant what it is today. From the introduction of pizza to his trademark white shirts, Nicky's ideas and ideals made Angees into a favorite meeting and eating place for the hometown crowd.
 Nicky retired in the 1980's. His retirement came partly due to ill health, but mostly because he wanted to see his sons carry on a part of his life that he loved so much. Nicky passed away in February of 1998 but up until a week before his death you could find him every morning at the front table in Angees visiting with old friends and making new ones.


Louis L. Marra -  Louis Marra was born in 1936 and was a life long citizen of Olean, NY.  Louie’s dedication and commitment was lived through his love of Olean and of feeding people, this bringing joy, happiness and pleasure to many.  Louie’s venture into the restaurant business began in 1968 and ended in 1990.  He took great pride in his dream and desire of successfully being able to give to Olean his gift of restaurant hospitality.

His family treasures his gift and will always hold dear all our years of working together as the Louie Marra family led by an amazing personality self achieved entrepreneur.

Louie had a very diverse history of restaurants with each of them giving to and being a part of Olean in their individual way. The many entities include: The Downtown Delli, Downtown Delli/Rack and Rib Room, Café Marquis, Pasta Luigi’s, Casey’s Restaurant, Old Library Bed and Breakfast and The Old Library Restaurant.

His venture into the hospitality business ended with his sudden passing in 1990, however his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of his family, employees and customers.  He lived and loved it all.

Lucia “Lou” Bardenett    1896-1986
Lucia (Lucy, Lou) Allegretta was born in Olean, NY in 1896.  She met her future husband, Humbert (Red) Bardenett, while he was delivering bread to her home in north Olean.  Married in 1914, they operated the family bakery from 1923 to 1934 on Railroad Ave. across from the former Pennsy Railroad depot, which is now part of the Olean JCC campus.  In 1934 they opened Bardenett's Grocery at 435 North Union Street and for a short period were in partnership with Lucillo Testi.

Lou was a vibrant woman who opened Lou's Italian Kitchen at 301 North Barry Street in 1931. Taking on a business venture was a rarity for a woman at that time.  She drew from her family's own southern Italian (Calabrian) and her husband's northern Italian (Lombardian) backgrounds to proudly present both cuisines to her patrons.  In 1946, Lou sold her Barry Street restaurant to good friend Pasquale (Pat) Piccioli.
 
She soon re-entered the business on Rock City Road, just a few miles south of Olean. With the help of her husband, son Jim, and daughter-in-law Wanda, Lou opened Lucia's Restaurant in 1949. Her homemade cooking drew loyal customers from the Olean community as well as from Bradford and Buffalo.  Her motto, “Abbondanza!” was especially appreciated by the “Bona boys” during the Depression since it was reflected in the extra-generous portions she served them.  Lou retired in 1965 and sold Lucia's to Louie and Nancy Giannechini. In 1981, Mayor William O. Smith presented Lou with a Key to the City for her work as the first president and a founding member of St. Ann's Lodge in 1924.

Lou's love of people and cooking was evident in the care she took in preparing meals; she was happiest when sharing her food with friends, neighbors, and especially her family throughout her 89 years. 

Carl Iseman
Carl Iseman started working in Olean, NY for Louis and MaryBarb Marra in 1975 at the Downtown Deli and The Rack and Rib Room.  In 1982, he helped open and operate The Old Library Restaurant under the supervision of the Marras.  After Louis Marra’s death in 1990, he continued to be instrumental in the everyday operations of the kitchen until his retirement at age 78 in 2003.

Carl is noted for his long hours of dedication and commitment to quality food, always making sure the customer was fully satisfied with their dining experience.  Living through a very tough time in our country’s history and serving in WWII, Carl’s values of customer service, hard work and food cost will never be matched.  To have a chef of Carl’s caliber and dedication for 28 years is priceless.  The Marra family will be forever thankful and his legacy will always be treasured.

John Sawaya, Sr.
John and Betty Sawaya heard an historic building, a funeral home, on East State Street was for sale.  Investigating and loving the building, they made an offer and it was accepted.  With the help of some builders, John converted the upper part of the building's huge garage into two apartments.  First moving into one of the apartments and then into the newly remodeled building, they rented the two apartments. 

A friend who was a chef insisted John should convert the building into a restaurant and promised he could make an excellent menu.  John believes in his being that he really wanted to do this all along so they took on the challenge.  As John says, “Believe me, I would have had trouble boiling water!”  They shopped around for restaurant furniture and put together “The Century Manor.”  The name came from the building that even then was over 100 years old. 

It wasn't easy that a “person from below the tracks” had the audacity to open a restaurant on East State but they were successful from day one.  The chef lived up to his promise and was able to produce an incredible menu.  They applied for a liquor license and a year later in 1952 the liquor board issued it.

With a lot of work and perseverance, they have been able to make “The Century Manor” the great restaurant that it is today.  Working with the chefs that have been employed over the years, John is “finally able to boil water” and they continue to get better and better.

Louis and Nancy Giannechini
The Giannechini’s purchased Lucia’s Reteaurant from Lucy Bardenett in 1965 and ran the restaurant until 2000. Louis was head/top chef at the restaurant, while Nancy was hostess and restaurant manager.  The Giannechini also had help from their two daughters and son with the restaurant business.

Butchello, Lentola and Picciolo, Italian immigrants honored at the Taste of Olean!
New this year, the GOACC and its Taste of Olean Event Committee honored three individuals with the 2007 Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards.  The Hospitality Wall of Fame recognized individuals and/or businesses who have made a significant contribution and given exceptional service to the food service/ hospitality industry in the past and who may continue to do so.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Hospitality Wall of Fame, a program designed to recognize the dedication in the development of the hospitality industry in the greater Olean area,” stated John Sayegh, GOACC’s Chief Operating Officer.  “GOACC is proud to announce the first class of the Wall of Fame awards: late Guerino “Butch” Butchello and Chef Anthony Lentola from the Castle Restaurant, and the late Chef Pasquale “Patsy” Piccioli.  All three have succeeded in excelling at all the most important elements of a great restaurant - inviting atmosphere, friendly staff and impeccable food in its stylish artistic presentation and its innovative flavor combination