Tony’s Restaurant Closes

Oldest continuous operating restaurant in Marianna closes after 55 years By Sid Riley

Rick and George Riley, owners of the facility and long time operators of Tony’s Restaurant, and the current operators, Georgeann and Steve Adkison have now officially closed the restaurant which is located on the west end of Marianna on Lafayette Street. Monday’s lunch marked the end of an era for dining in Marianna.

The popular dining facility was initially opened by Tony Primavera in the mid fifties. Tony Primavera died in 1969, and the task of operating the restaurant was assumed by his daughter, Charlotte Laramore. Charlotte was the queen of “Tony’s” until 1978, when she sold to George and Rick Riley, who successfully operated there for the next thirty years. In 2009 they leased the restaurant to Georgann and Steve Adkinson.

Through the years the restaurant has always been the place to go for lunch for a large group of loyal diners. Tony’s has also been the site where thousands of civic club meetings have been held, including Kiwanis’s, Optimists, Pilot Club, Altrusa, Lions, D.A.R., Marianna Bridge Club, and others. Also, it has been the place where many, many businesses have held their Christmas Parties, and families have gathered for wedding receptions, baby showers, birthday and anniversary parties, and special recognition dinners. Tony’s holds many fond memories for most local residents. It will surely be missed.

George and Rick Riley will be putting the facility up for lease or purchase. Let us hope something great opens there soon.