A BELOVED chef is set to close his restaurant for a heartbreaking reason shared in an emotional video.
Tony Frawley, 60, the backbone of Cardiff’s much-loved 591 by Anatoni’s pizzeria, was diagnosed with stage four oesophagus cancer in 2023.
Although he is on the road to recovery, he has taken the decision to retire to rebuild his health.
The restaurant will close on Saturday, March 8.
In a heartbreaking video posted to Instagram, Tony revealed all.
He said: “After chatting to the family and the children and close friends, we decided it’s probably best now to retire, hang up the apron and try to rebuild my health and try and rebuild back to a level of normality as much as I can.”
Tony went on to thank the NHS and the “superb team” who “fought tooth and nail” to keep him alive.
He said: “Brilliant work by the NHS keeping me alive and a lot of treatment, a lot of work, a lot of weight loss – 20 plus kilos – but thankfully ok and on the mend.”
The chef also thanked the people of Cardiff who have supported his pizzeria over the years.
And added: “We’ve always maintained that Anatoni’s is owned by the people of Cardiff.
“They’ve always supported it, it’s your pizzeria, it was never really ours…
“You really supported it and gave us 100% and we’re eternally grateful for that.
He continued: “If we don’t see you before the 8th, a big big thank you. Thank you for everything.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience over the years and we are so, so lucky for everything you’ve done. We really appreciate it.”
Tony opened 591 by Anatoni’s just as he was diagnosed with the disease.
He said: “It was just before Christmas 2023…I had severe chest pains and was struggling to breathe and swallow,” he told Wales Online.
His wife Ana encouraged him to see a doctor which proved life-saving.
Tony added: “The simple message is if we hadn’t gone then and had the camera, I’d be gone by now.”
Since then, he has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Followed by a 13-and-a-half hour operation to remove the tumour.
Full list of celebrity chef restaurants that have closed for good this year
- La Dame de Pic
- Café Lapérouse
- Kora by Tom Kitchen
- Roger Hickman’s Restaurant
- Jackson’s
- Caldesi
- Street Burger
- The Restaurant MS
- Carmel
- Osma
- Studio Frantzén
- Burnt Truffle
Despite the surgery going well, a shock lung infection led to an eight-week stint on a ventilator.
He said: “We sort of scraped through that period and got out of that.
“So that’s probably why you haven’t seen me in the pizzeria because I’ve been up to that sort of stuff.”
Messages from supportive fans have since flooded in.
One person said: “The main thing is that you look after yourself you lovely lovely man!!
“Honoured to have had the pleasure of working alongside you and thanks for your support and for having my back!
“Wishing you a wonderful, long, healthy retirement.”
Followed by another: “We’ve loved every minute of having you as neighbours and that legendary garlic bread.
“Tony you’re an inspiration to us all, keep smiling and happy retirement
Fellow chef, Dom Horan wrote: “Sad news for those of us nearby, but glad you’re prioritising health and happiness!
“Brilliant business, and always such warm service from all of you.”
Followed by a third: “Tony and family have been a huge part of our hospitality lives for years now, hands down Tony is one of the best, most humble, supportive and caring men we know, and puts passion into pizza like no other.
“You’ll be so missed in the industry but always top!!
“Thank you for all the support and advice you’ve given over the years, we wouldn’t be where we are without you.
“Now here’s to retirement!!”
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
