Anyone who’s ever owned a restaurant can tell you it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Along with constant worries over food prices and staffing, customers’ tastes and needs can change by meal or day of the week. Plus, in food towns like Pittsburgh, there’s always stiff competition for dining dollars.

Anthony “Tony” D’Imperio handled all those problems and more with aplomb at the Italian-American special-occasion restaurant he started in 1977 in Monroeville and moved to Wilkins five years later.

Those who knew him said he was the consummate host, beloved not just for his incredible professionalism and passion for food and service, but also his welcoming nature.

“He had this ability to make anyone feel at home,” said his daughter Cristina D’Imperio of Murrysville. “I heard from customers a

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