Tony Fortuna: The Legendary Restaurateur Behind TBar NYC and Southampton Who Made Everyone Feel Like Family

Tony’s journey began in NYC, where the Lenox Room transformed into the iconic TBar, a place that became a home for regulars and a must-visit for newcomers. But what made TBar truly special wasn’t just the food. It was Tony himself. His warmth, wit, and genuine hospitality created an atmosphere where everyone felt like family.

I had the privilege of meeting Tony back in 2001 through a mutual friend at Eastdil Secured and the St. Regis New York. We clicked instantly. Over the years our conversations often drifted to real estate. Tony always knew the inside scoop on every big deal happening in the city. He had this uncanny ability to be in the know, to connect dots, and to make you feel like you were part of something special.

TBar NYC became my kitchen. It was literally down the block from my apartment, but it was more than convenience that kept me going back. It was Tony. Almost every time I dined there, he would pull up a chair, pour himself his favorite drink, Clase Azul on the rocks with a sliced orange, and join my guests. We would swap stories, catch up on the latest real estate buzz, and toast to whatever moment we were in. Whether I was there for a quick bite or a big celebration, Tony made sure it felt like home.

TBar wasn’t just a restaurant to Tony; it was an extension of his personality: vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. He had the rare gift of making everyone feel special, and no matter if you were a first-time guest or a long-time friend, you always felt valued in his presence.

He was always impeccably dressed in crisp button-down shirts, polished but never pretentious. His style reflected who he was: refined, approachable, and effortlessly charming. Watching him greet guests, weaving through the restaurant with that signature sparkle in his eye, you couldn’t help but feel you were in the presence of someone extraordinary.

Tony’s passing was a loss deeply felt, but his spirit is alive in every TBar dining room. His dear friend Derek Axelrod, who shared Tony’s vision and heart for hospitality, now carries the torch. Derek has honored Tony’s legacy not just by keeping TBar NYC and Southampton thriving but by expanding the family with TBar Roslyn, ensuring Tony’s tradition of exceptional food and heartfelt hospitality continues for years to come.

TBar Southampton: A True Extension of Tony Fortuna’s Vision in the Hamptons

When Tony opened TBar Southampton it carried all that same energy, just with a sea breeze. The Hamptons location quickly became a cherished spot for locals and summer visitors alike. The charming outdoor patio, the familiar menu with Tony’s signature dishes, and the staff, many of whom had been with Tony for years, all carried forward the same magic.

At TBar Southampton you feel it the moment you walk in. The warmth, the welcome, the sense that you’re part of something Tony built with love. And that’s exactly the way he would have wanted it.