SOURCE ARTICLE: Whatnowmia.com
Before Carbone, Prime Italian, Café Martorano and their ilk there was Anthony’s Runway 84, the dining institution that opened in the heart of Fort Lauderdale 40 years ago. The landmark maintained a reputation for classic Italian-American cooking and hospitality since the day it opened its doors. When the restaurant closed in spring 2022 for a complete (and pricey, $4 million) renovation, loyal diners who knew Runway as their second home, waited in anticipation for the reopening. Now, after an eight-month closure and a complete makeover that promises a contemporary look that evokes the historic spirit of Anthony’s Runway 84, now simply Runway 84, will reopen to the public late-January 2023.
“The decision to close was not an easy one to make but it was the right one,” contends owner Anthony Bruno in a statement. “A successful 40-year run is almost unheard of in this business. We were blessed and lucky to have such a loyal following that stayed with us over so many years. It was time to refresh and prepare for our next 40 years doing what we do best: make people feel like family.”
Runway 84 has an official January target opening date that is still pending. This major refresh is the brainchild of partners Bruno, Pat Marzano of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Marc Falsetto of Handcrafted Hospitality. “Those that loved the original Anthony’s Runway 84 will find plenty of new to love and will find familiarity around every corner, from the art of the walls to the food on the plate,” adds Marzano. For the design, the team has tapped Miami-based design firm Bigtime Design Studios to reimagine the space and turn their vision into a reality. Among the additions, a live music lounge featuring a new grand piano and dramatic crystal chandelier; a new bar complete with an elevated cocktail program and a dramatic new entranceway delivering major Copacabana vibes.