A really big night at Anthony’s Restaurant and Lounge

By CHARLES FERRUZZA

I was one of those moviegoers who fell in love with 1996’s Big Night Big Night, a film about two Italian-born brothers, played by Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub, trying to make a success of their restaurant.

Here in Kansas City, two Italian-American brothers — certainly as handsome as movie stars — are having much more success with Anthony’s Restaurant and Lounge , their family restaurant at 701 Grand. Along with their parents, Vito and Anthony Spino III celebrate the 30th anniversary of the restaurant next month. The brothers claim that the November 13 anniversary party really will be a “big night.”

Because of all the hype surrounding the Power & Light District, it’s hard for some people to remember that “downtown” does extend north of 12th Street — that’s why it’s important to acknowledge the history of Anthony’s, one of the real survivors of downtown Kansas City’s less glamorous days. Back in 1978, when Anthony “Butch” Spino, Jr., expanded the Soup Kitchen (a 13-stool café operated by his parents) into a full-service restaurant, his friends told him he was crazy.

“Those were not great times for downtown Kansas City,” says Anthony III.