The Greater Olean Hospitality Committee has announced the new inductees to the Hospitality Sculpture: Daniel J. Butchello Sr. and Gerald A. Butchello. The sculpture, unveiled in October 2023, honors individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions and provided exceptional service to the food service and hospitality industry. These honorees have excelled in the key elements of a great restaurant: an inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and impeccable food, presented with artistic style and innovative flavor combinations.
The official presentation will take place at Lincoln Park in downtown Olean on Thursday, August 15th, at 5 p.m. Joe and Susan Marra remarked, “It’s fitting that we have their father, Guerino ‘Butch’ Butchello, of the iconic Castle Restaurant on the monument, and now his sons will be recognized and share in this great tribute to hospitality.”
Daniel J. Butchello, Sr. (1942-1985) Dan, or “Danny” as he was known to family and friends, was born into a restaurant family headed by his father, Guerino “Butch” Butchello. Upon the passing of Guerino in 1976, Dan and his brother, Gerald A., assumed ownership of the L’Alcove-Castle Corporation. Their goal was to maintain the standards of quality and sense of community set forth by their father.
Dan’s contributions to his community included president of the Cattaraugus-Allegany Tourist Bureau, serving on the President’s Council for St. Bonaventure University, chairman of the Cattaraugus Heart Fund Drive, and director of the Bank of New York. He and his brother sponsored an annual golf tournament to benefit the intensive care units of Olean General and St. Francis Hospitals.
Gerald “Jerry” Butchello (1938-1986) Jerry was the eldest son of Guerino “Butch” Butchello. He started out in the kitchen of the original L’Alcove on North 4th Street in Olean, NY. He worked for mama years at the Castle and Loretto Foods until the new L’Alcove opened on the corner of Wayne and South Union Streets.
He could be found standing at the small podium ready to greet and seat patrons. He exuded hospitality and made sure everyone was satisfied and content when they left. All 4 of his children worked with him and treasured those memories. When Butch died in 1976, he and his brother Danny shared the responsibilities of the businesses until Danny’s untimely death in 1985. Jerry died suddenly just a year later October 11, 1986 at the age of 48.
Past inductees to the Hospitality Hall of Fame Program include: Guerino “Butch” Butchello and Chef Anthony Lentola; Chef Pasquale “Patsy” Piccioli; John Sawaya; Sr.; Carl Iseman; Louis and Nancy Giannechini; Lucia “Lou” Bardenett; William “Bill” Augostini; Quinto and Dora Bagazzoli; Nicholas “Nick” Fratarcangelo; Louis Marra; Daniel Fessenden, Robert Styles, Tony Bassano, Jim McAfee, Neil and Denis Goodemote; Paul and Mary Psathas; Anthony Zampogna; James Pappas; Lou Russo; Nick Livoto; Steve Hollowell; Jackie Attard; John Malara; Richard Marcus; Louis V., ‘Little Louie,’ Marra; Eugene Stopha, Jack Coffey, Louis Frungillo Sr., Richard ‘Richie’ Piccioli, Joe Marra, MarLayn Robinson, John ‘Mac’ Sue, Tom Weatherell, John and Karol Long, Anthony Fratercangelo, James ‘Jim’ Hastas, Mike & PJ McAfee, Anthony Procacci, Paul & Lisa Marra, Ola May Gayton, Sparky Granger, Randy Korkowicz, D.J. Butchello, John Cappelleti, Larry Chiarenza; Doris Mae Williams, Louis Frungillo, Jr., Paul Green; and in 2023, Peter Miller, Teddy Welch, Carmen Leroy, and Carmella Jadlowski.
For more information on the hospitality awards, how to donate, or for general Information, please call the Marras at 716-244-1371 or email sjmarra@gmail.com.