Hospitality Wall of Fame 2008
Four More Additions to the Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC) and its Taste of Olean Event Committee have announced its second class of inductees to the 2008 Taste of Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame Awards program: John Sawaya, Sr., Carl Iseman, Louis and Nancy Giannechini, and the late Lucia “Lou” Bardenett. 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.
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.
“GOACC is proud to announce the second class of the Wall of Fame awards. All 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,” stated John Sayegh, GOACC’s Chief Operating Officer.