Take your taste to Montano’s …
Philip Montano always dreamed of owning his own delicatessen. In 1969, he opened Chef’s International Gourmet in the Roanoke Valley. His place was the first gourmet specialty shop in the area and it was a tough sell. Montano won customers with quality specialty ingredients on his shelves, a bright smile and a warm nature.
Thus began the love affair between the people of the Roanoke area and Phil Montano, in 1973, opened a second location in Towers Shopping Center. The spot added a restaurant with seating for 20. When the lease expired 15 years later, the Towers location was more of a restaurant than a specialty grocery shop. The restaurant could now seat 86. Marty Montano began working with his father and since the location lease could not be renewed, the Montano family sought a permanent location and Montano’s was born.
In 1988, the business opened at Townside Festival Mall with 150 seats and a small but well stocked gourmet shop, complete with delicatessen, wine selection and imported beer area.
The restaurant now seats 252 and includes a private banquet room, an outdoor cafe and a 40 foot carved wood and mirrored cocktail bar. Phil Montano still regularly works in the business, which is now run by his son, Marty Montano.
Voted By Roanoker Magazine
Best Business Lunch • Best Chef • Best Caterer • Best Bar Food • Best Bar • Best Deli Best Entertainment • Best Beer Selection • Best Wine Selection • Best Wine List