In the middle of the pandemic, Tony’s Italian Ristorante was struck by a huge loss on the heels of the Columbus Brewery District restaurant’s 40^th anniversary.  Antonio Stanley, the restaurant's chef and an employee of 32 years, died at age 53.

The restaurant’s owner, Tony Scartz, lost not only a friend but also a key ingredient to the restaurant’s longevity. The loss was so severe that Scartz wondered if he would reopen the restaurant, at 16 W. Beck St., once COVID restrictions were lifted.