Donna & Tony Vallone
Donna and Tony Vallone have been serving the public for more than 50 years earning a reputation for exceptional food, excellent wine and impeccable service, not to mention continuous, creative, changing menus. Their restaurants have served eight US presidents, numerous foreign presidents, and notable dignitaries from around the world.
Tony Vallone was the first Texan inducted into the National Restaurant Association Hall of Fame in 1982 and the first American-born board member of the famed Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani of Italy. He was a past member of the Nation’s Restaurant News “Hall of Fame” and was elected to the Culinary “Who’s Who of Texas.” In addition, Tony was the author of the critically acclaimed tony’s…the cookbook.
Tony’s entire staff is privy to his favorite motto, “You’re only as good as your last meal.”
Donna is now at the helm of Tony’s continuing his legacy. In addition to culinary contributions, Donna donates her time and talents to numerous local and national causes. She proudly sits as a board member of various organizations, including those in the medical field and fine arts in our Houston community.
Donna was born in Olympia, Washington and at three months old was transplanted to Houston. After receiving a Bachelor of Music from the University of Houston, she began her 14-year professional career as a music teacher for HISD. Her final three years were spent teaching children with special needs at T.H. Rogers School.
Married to renowned restaurateur Tony Vallone for more than 36 years, Donna was always by his side in life and in business. Together, they were co-owners of Tony’s in Greenway Plaza. When Tony passed away in September 2021, Donna took the reins of Tony’s and continues to work vigorously, keeping her beloved husband’s legacy and vision alive through the culinary arts and dedication to service that he held as a standard at his flagship restaurant of more than 55 years.
Donna is also extremely active in the community, serving on several boards and advisory committees. She sits on the boards of TEACH – To Educate All Children, Holocaust Museum Houston, the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Theatre Under the Stars, and Friends of Nursing at CHI St. Luke’s Health. Additionally, she is a member of the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Advisory Committee and the Memorial Hermann Community Relations Committee.
Donna has a passion for life, love, and family. Her greatest loves are her late husband Tony and her family, always putting them first in her life. Her second love is music as she enjoys singing and attending music-inspired events around Houston. Donna is also a proud 14-year breast cancer survivor.