history of chef’s
a timeline of family, friends and community
1923
Chef’s opens at the corner of Seneca and Chicago Streets.
Owned by Virginio and Enrica Chiari, Chef’s Restaurant was a staple in the heart of Lou Billittier Sr.’s childhood neighborhood.
1941
Lou Billittier hired as dishwasher.
At 12 years old, Lou Billittier was hired to wash dishes at Chef’s Restaurant, a 30-seat restaurant and bar, by then owners Gino Silverstrini and Lee Federiconi.
1941
Lou Billittier hired as dishwasher.
At 12 years old, Lou Billittier was hired to wash dishes at Chef’s Restaurant, a 30-seat restaurant and bar, by then owners Gino Silverstrini and Lee Federiconi.
1954
Lou Billittier becomes sole owner of Chef’s.
Borrowing money from his father Anthony, and with the support of his brother Frank, Lou Sr. purchased Chef’s for $8,000.
1962
Chef’s World Famous Spaghetti Parm.
Lou Sr. and good friend Dave Thomas (of WKBW-TV fame) invent what is now the most popular dish at Chef’s in the restaurant’s small open kitchen.
1962
Chef’s World Famous Spaghetti Parm.
Lou Sr. and good friend Dave Thomas (of WKBW-TV fame) invent what is now the most popular dish at Chef’s in the restaurant’s small open kitchen.
1966
Chef’s expands with a second dining room.
The Billittier family added to Chef’s on the site of an old parking lot next to the restaurant.
1969
Third dining room is added to Chef’s.
Restaurant grows to a seating capacity of 300 people on the site of an old candy store.
1969
Third dining room is added to Chef’s.
Restaurant grows to a seating capacity of 300 people on the site of an old candy store.
1975
Lou Billittier, Jr. starts to work officially as a cook.
Lou Jr. started at 12 years old like his father as a dishwasher.
Key moments in Buffalo history…
1932
Buffalo City Hall is built
1940
Buffalo Memorial Auditorium Opened
1960
Buffalo Bills Inaugural Season
1985
Mary Beth Billittier starts at Chef’s as a busgirl.
Like her father and brother before her, Mary Beth learns all about the restaurant business as a busgirl, and ultimately works her way up to majority owner.
1987
Fresh bread baked on-site everyday.
Beloved Mangano’s Bakery closes its doors, so Chef’s buys the equipment and hired “Benny” the bread baker, building a bakery at Chef’s.
1987
Fresh bread baked on-site everyday.
Beloved Mangano’s Bakery closes its doors, so Chef’s buys the equipment and hired “Benny” the bread baker, building a bakery at Chef’s.
1988
Banquet room added to accommodate larger parties.
Chef’s purchases part of the Buffalo Police Garage from the City and adds on a Banquet room called “The LouAnn Room” for larger banquets and abundant storage.
1997
Chef’s bottles its World Famous Pasta Sauce.
Chef’s jarred sauce is sold at the restaurant, grocery stores, and throughout the US.
1997
Chef’s bottles its World Famous Pasta Sauce.
Chef’s jarred sauce is sold at the restaurant, grocery stores, and throughout the US.
2000
Lou Billittier Sr. passes away.
Long time Chef’s entrepreneur leaves his wife Ann Billittier to become sole owner of Chef’s with the help of son, Lou Jr. and daughter, Mary Beth.
2001
The family founded the Louis J. Billittier Sr. Foundation.
To continue Lou Sr.’s philanthropy and support for children’s charities, the Billittier family founded the Louis J. Billittier Sr. Foundation to continue how Lou Sr. lived and what he believed in: “Helping others because it’s the right thing to do.”
2001
The family founded the Louis J. Billittier Sr. Foundation.
To continue Lou Sr.’s philanthropy and support for children’s charities, the Billittier family founded the Louis J. Billittier Sr. Foundation to continue how Lou Sr. lived and what he believed in: “Helping others because it’s the right thing to do.”
More moments in Buffalo history…
1970
Buffalo Sabres Inaugural Season
1988
Pilot Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, Opens
1991
Buffalo Bills go to Super Bowl for the first time
2010
French Connection Room at Chef’s.
The Buffalo Sabres top line became an extension of the Billittier family. Hall-of- Famer Gilbert Perrault at center and All-Stars Rick Martin at left wing and Rene Martin at right wing were staples at Chef’s, and with the Billittiers.
2013
Ann Billittier passes away.
Mary Beth and Louis John take over as owners of Chef’s and guardians of their parents’ legacy.
2013
Ann Billittier passes away.
Mary Beth and Louis John take over as owners of Chef’s and guardians of their parents’ legacy.
2014
Paisano.
Mascot Paisano comes to life and brings his “saucy” antics to Chef’s.
2015
Chef’s On the Go food truck.
Chef’s introduces their food truck called “Chef’s On the Go!” The truck is a huge hit and goes strong until a fire in July 2018 ends the food truck operation.
2015
Chef’s On the Go food truck.
Chef’s introduces their food truck called “Chef’s On the Go!” The truck is a huge hit and goes strong until a fire in July 2018 ends the food truck operation.
2021
Chef’s Wine.
Chef’s bottles their own private-label wine at 10,000 Vines in Hamburg, NY. Each expression is available at the restaurant.
2022
Chef’s Frozen Meals.
Chef’s original recipes are flash frozen for freezer-to oven-to table meals. Chef’s Frozen Entrees are available at the restaurant, and shipped across the country.
2022
Chef’s Frozen Meals.
Chef’s original recipes are flash frozen for freezer-to oven-to table meals. Chef’s Frozen Entrees are available at the restaurant, and shipped across the country.
2023
100th year in business.
Chef’s celebrates family, food, and community all year long!
