culture and entertainment - Dan Tana, the visionary restaurateur who transformed a humble hamburger stand into one of Hollywood's most celebrated dining institutions, has passed away at age 90. His story embodies the classic Ame...
rican dream, beginning as a Yugoslav soccer player and evolving into a Hollywood fixture whose restaurant became synonymous with celebrity culture and old-school charm.
Born Dobrivoje Tanasijević near Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Tana's journey to Hollywood legend status followed an unconventional path. His early career as a professional soccer player in Canada preceded his Hollywood ambitions, where he studied acting under renowned coach Jeff Corey alongside future stars like Natalie Wood and Kim Novak.
After making his screen debut in 1957's 'The Enemy Below,' Tana appeared in various television series including 'The Untouchables,' 'Rin Tin Tin,' and 'Peter Gunn.' However, his lasting impact on Hollywood would come not through acting but through hospitality.
Starting as a dishwasher at the Villa Capri and later becoming maitre d' at La Scala, Tana learned the intricacies of high-end restaurant operations. In 1964, he made the bold decision to take over Dominick's hamburger stand, transforming it into Dan Tana's, a New York-style Italian restaurant that would become legendary for its late hours and discrete atmosphere.
The restaurant's success wasn't immediate, but following a positive Los Angeles Times review, it became the go-to spot for Hollywood's elite. Regular patrons included Johnny Carson, John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, and Jack Nicholson. The establishment's reputation for privacy and authenticity made it a favorite among both established stars and up-and-coming talents.
Dan Tana's became known for its personalized menu items, including the veal cutlet alla George Clooney and Dabney Coleman's preferred New York steak. The restaurant's yellow bungalow exterior and red-checkered tablecloths became as iconic as its celebrity clientele.
Even after selling the restaurant to Sonja Perencevic in 2009, Tana's influence continued through his establishment's unchanged atmosphere and enduring reputation. The restaurant remains a testament to old Hollywood, maintaining its original charm and continuing to attract new generations of entertainment industry figures.
Born Dobrivoje Tanasijević near Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Tana's journey to Hollywood legend status followed an unconventional path. His early career as a professional soccer player in Canada preceded his Hollywood ambitions, where he studied acting under renowned coach Jeff Corey alongside future stars like Natalie Wood and Kim Novak.
After making his screen debut in 1957's 'The Enemy Below,' Tana appeared in various television series including 'The Untouchables,' 'Rin Tin Tin,' and 'Peter Gunn.' However, his lasting impact on Hollywood would come not through acting but through hospitality.
Starting as a dishwasher at the Villa Capri and later becoming maitre d' at La Scala, Tana learned the intricacies of high-end restaurant operations. In 1964, he made the bold decision to take over Dominick's hamburger stand, transforming it into Dan Tana's, a New York-style Italian restaurant that would become legendary for its late hours and discrete atmosphere.
The restaurant's success wasn't immediate, but following a positive Los Angeles Times review, it became the go-to spot for Hollywood's elite. Regular patrons included Johnny Carson, John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, and Jack Nicholson. The establishment's reputation for privacy and authenticity made it a favorite among both established stars and up-and-coming talents.
Dan Tana's became known for its personalized menu items, including the veal cutlet alla George Clooney and Dabney Coleman's preferred New York steak. The restaurant's yellow bungalow exterior and red-checkered tablecloths became as iconic as its celebrity clientele.
Even after selling the restaurant to Sonja Perencevic in 2009, Tana's influence continued through his establishment's unchanged atmosphere and enduring reputation. The restaurant remains a testament to old Hollywood, maintaining its original charm and continuing to attract new generations of entertainment industry figures.