Tonys Italian Restaurant Closes

When the last customers left the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day of 2006, it was more than merely the end of another year for the Springs family and the employees of Tony’s Italian Restaurant. The landmark establishment closed its doors for good, ending a 53-year tradition on the Grand Strand.

Sitting in his easy chair in their lovely North Myrtle Beach home recently, Jack Springs wove a fascinating story of the history of the restaurant A few years after his mother married Tony Carnaggio of Columbia in 1946, they moved to what is now known as the Cherry Grove/Ocean Drive area to open Tony’s Italian Restaurant on Highway 17 where it stands today. As with most start-up new businesses, the first few years were very tough, and the family struggled to make ends meet. The restaurant seated 35 at the time, had no equipment that modern restaurants have today, and everything was done by hand. The family lived in small quarters beside the restaurant.

The hard work paid off. News spread that Tony’s was a great place to eat. Business grew and the success story began. Jack recalls how one just had to ask a local or a concierge at one of the hotels in Myrtle Beach where to go for good Italian food, and Tony’s was the first recommendation.

By 1970, they were ready to retire and sell the restaurant. Jack was in Columbia operating his successful “Tailoring by Jack Springs” business, which offered custom-made, and alterations of, upscale clothing for an elite clientele. After a family meeting it was decided that Jack and Sara would relocate to the beach and buy his parents’ interest in Tony’s. They made the move in June of 1971, bringing with them their 3 children, Terri, Tami, and Jay. Jack and Sara worked at the restaurant every day that summer, learning the day-to-day operations of running a busy eating establishment. They instigated major menu changes and the venture took off with a bang.

The restaurant endured major renovations and menu changes over the next few years, keeping it fresh and up-to-date in an increasingly competitive market. All three of their children worked side by side with their parents over the years, making it truly a family affair. Jay’s wife Elizabeth showed up every morning at 9:00 for years. From bussing tables, acting as hostess, waiting on tables, running the appetizer bar, learning how to do payroll… whatever was needed, they did. Over the years as grandchildren arrived; they, too, were active participants. Tony’s had many employees who worked there for years, which speaks for itself. Jack and Sara’s loyalty to their employees was one reason they prolonged the closing as long as they did. An unexpected event in the late 70’s changed the course of the restaurant more than any other single event.

Terri, the eldest of Jack and Sara’s children, was (and still is) a beauty queen. The famous Oscar de la Renta came to Myrtle Beach for a fundraising fashion show for Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, and Terri was one of 3 models chosen. The fashion industry bug had bitten; and not long after, Terri moved to New York City to pursue her dream. She enjoyed a successful modeling career, and soon met her husband-to-be.

When Jack and Sara flew to New York to meet their future in-laws, they were taken to a famous Italian restaurant in the Bronx named Il Boschetto. They recall with vivid memories walking into the restaurant and being greeted with the most divine aroma of garlic. The menu items, ranging from Calamari to veal dishes to Clams Posillipo were new to them, and they wanted to learn more! The next few days the chef opened his doors to them and let them observe the preparation of these new foods. The restaurant sent one of their chefs to the beach, where he remained for 7 years to oversee the major menu changes and training at Tony’s.

Jack recalls the 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s with fond nostalgia…days before major national restaurant chains began sprouting up on the Grand Strand. “I remember when Rice Planters, a popular local restaurant, had an hour’s wait every night. Who would ever have thought they would eventually go out of business due to lack of customers?!” Meanwhile, on every corner it seemed, chains such as Red Lobster, Applebee’s, Olive Garden and many more were changing the landscape of the Grand Strand, not only physically but also in the dining experiences of the visitors. It has become increasingly harder for local, independent establishments to compete with the major chains.

While Tony’s has maintained a faithful clientele over the years, Jack and Sara are ready to let go of the all-consuming time restraints and enjoy life out of the fast lane. They already miss the many friends they have made over the years. They watched families grow from summer to summer. These folks are not going to be happy when they return for vacation this summer and see the  “FOR SALE” sign at the restaurant! Retirement? No way…Jack still goes to the Century 21 Barefoot office daily, where his son Jay is a major partner. However, they look forward to traveling with their friends to Las Vegas and attending USC football games in Columbia where they maintain a condo overlooking the stadium, without having to rush back to the beach to the demands of Tony’s.

All good things come to an end. This is a fact of life that we all face. For Jack and Sara and their entire family, the closing of Tony’s is bittersweet, but they look forward to the leisure time the change will afford. For the rest of us, the patrons with fierce loyalty, the sadness is palpable. The ambiance, the food, the warm greetings are already so very missed. Jack and Sara have received many cards and letters from their long-time customers. 94.9 the Surf would like to hear from you as well! Your comments and personal memories of Tony’s are welcome on our COMMENTS page, under TALK TO US.