2012
Fred and Rose Bruning Big Fred’s Pizza
Chuck, Ron, Bob, and Ross Caniglia Restaurateurs for Caniglia’s Pizzeria
Constantine F. "Deano" Meares Restaurateur
Nicholas C. Petrow, Chris Petrow, Nick C. Petrow Restaurateurs
Diane Zipay Food Educator, Westside High School
Fred and Rose Bruning
Big Fred’s Pizza
Fred Bruning began Big Fred’s Pizza in 1965, along with his wife Rose, instead of choosing a career with the Omaha Police Department. Big Fred’s strongly continues today, 47 years later. Third generation owner, Jennifer Bruning, along with her siblings, Allison and Brian, are happy that their grandparents are being inducted into the Hall of Fame. “It is so great to finally have my grandparents honored in such a way,” says Jennifer Bruning.
Chuck, Ron, Bob, and Ross Caniglia
Restaurateurs for Caniglia’s Pizzeria
Ross is son to Giovanna and Cirino Caniglia, who started Caniglia’s Pizzeria and the Original Caniglia’s. Ross took over restaurant operations in the1970’s. Upon his retirement, Ross’s sons, Chuck, Ron and Bob ran the Original Caniglia’s until it closed in 2005. As restaurateurs, they are being honored for their contributions to the Omaha Community.
Constantine F. (Deano) Meares
Restaurateur
Deano began his work in the hospitality industry at age 10 working in his parents’ cafes. He established the first Omaha Greek restaurant; Deano’s Greek Village in 1966 and was owner and operator of Cascio’s Steakhouse until his death. In addition, Deano was the restaurateur and chef of other local food venues including Harkert’s Bar B Q on Leavenworth.
Nicholas C. Petrow (deceased), Chris Petrow, Nick C. Petrow
Restaurateurs
Emigrating from Greece, The Petrow family started with a candy shop in Fremont Nebraska in 1903. With every generation to follow, the Petrow’s continued the family tradition of running quality food establishments. Nicholas C. Petrow opened Petrow’s in 1952. Chris Petrow, son of Nicolas, operated the restaurant for 35 years following his departure from the Korean War. His son Nick became the 3rd generation of Petrow Restaurateurs in 1992.
Diane Zipay
Food Educator, Westside High School
Diane is currently Westside School District’s Nutrition Services Director. This honor has been given to Diane for her passion in educating the youth of Omaha on healthy eating along with her advocacy on farm-to-school programs as well as her extensive service to our food community.