1997
Joseph, Samuel and Carl Ancona Purveyors, Ancona Bros.
David Bernabo Chef, Fontenelle Hotel
Frank E. Blazek Owner, Manager and Director, New Tower Hotel
Michael Milone Educator, University of Nebraska-Omaha
Joseph, Samuel and Carl Ancona
Purveyors, Ancona Bros.
The company commenced business in 1915 as a retail store at 16th and Cummings Sts. The company opened their first wholesale operation in 1919 at 13th and Jackson Sts. In 1950, they joined the firm. The company has been honored by being named the first Italian American Citizen in Nebraska, Purveyor of the Year by the Omaha and Nebraska Restaurant Associations and Purveyor Citizen by the American Culinary Federation. The company received the Classic Aware by the Midland Regional Food Exposition and Show (1979).
David Bernabo
Chef, Fontenelle Hotel
He was born in Italy and apprenticed under his father who was a chef. He left Italy in 1908 and lived and worked in Paris, France from 1908 to 1910. He lived and worked in London, England, from 1910 to 1914, Rome, Italy from 1914 to 1919, New York City from 1919 to 1922 and Chicago from 1922 to 1924. He was Executive Chef at Fontenelle Hotel from 1924 to 1958 and died in California in 1964 at 73.
Frank E. Blazek
Owner, Manager and Director, New Tower Hotel
He was Vice President and Director of Master Hosts Motor Hotels, President and Director of the Nebraska Motel Association, member of the Shrine Jestors Court and Shrine Mizpah Lodge. Shunning recognition, he was deeply involved in the community.
Michael Milone
Educator, University of Nebraska-Omaha
He was President of the Omaha Restaurant Association, member of the National Restaurant Association, President and Executive Director of the Nebraska Culinary Association, national committee member of the National Association of College and University Food Services, Owner of Kenny's Restaurant from 1973 to 1988 and Food Service Director and the University of Nebraska-Omaha starting in 1988.