ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The former owner of Montano's International Restaurant in Roanoke, who died just days ago, is being remembered by many.
Philip Montano, who was 99 years old, grew up a first-generation Italian in Newark, N.J.
Montano opened the restaurant with 150 seats and a small gourmet shop 45 years ago.
The restaurant has since expanded to more than 250 seats, along with a banquet room, an outdoor cafe and a cocktail bar.
"Thrilled the community has embraced us. He was a wonderful man. Everybody loved him, the amount of support has been incredible, we thank the people of Roanoke again," said Marty Montano, Philip Montano's son, who now runs the restaurant.