»Feature Andy Reiss
Golden Spoon Award winner. And I accomplished that. And then two years later I opened up Maxin’s and we were successful and then two years after that, I opened up Tutto Benne and we were successful. Had I put my energy (into one) instead of multiple different concepts, if I would have just taken my deli or my love of sandwiches, I could have been the guy ... ”
Illustration Courtesy Andy Reiss
A New Role
In addition to his career as a restaurateur and service to the downtown community, Reiss has also taken a leadership role in the hospitality industry. He was instrumental in the decision to relocate the industry’s trade association, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, to Tallahassee. In fact, the group partnered with Reiss, paying for needed upgrades to the building relating to fire safety and accessibility, and their offices now occupy the floors above Reiss’ restaurants. In January, Reiss will be inducted as chairman of the statewide association during an event at Miami Beach’s renowned Fountainebleau Hotel. “There is no question that Andy is an industry icon, not only for the exceptional food and service he brings to the table, but also his community involvement and association leadership throughout our great state,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the FRLA. “He has been an active member of our association for decades and that is truly unparalleled among other independent operators. To me, Andy is so much more than a board member and future chairman, he is a personal friend,” said Dover. “We have shared memories in watching our children grow, and I really look to him as a mentor. I am so proud of Andy for reaching such an incredible anniversary, and I am thankful to have been able to experience so much of it with him.” Reiss will be the first independent restaurant owner to lead the association, a position usually held by organizations with a high profile statewide. But Reiss said he has no doubts he’ll be an effective advocate. “I don’t want to say this in an obnoxious way, but there is no restaurateur or hotelier that’s on a first-name basis with every governor since Reubin Askew. I’ve known all the senators and all the representatives for 30 years. I don’t have to go (to the Capitol) and lobby. I lobby when they come to lunch.” He plans on being surrounded by family — including his 90-year-old mother — for the event and views it as a homecoming of sorts as well as a tribute to his father, who died 23 years ago. When Hans Reiss worked there, as a “professional courtesy,” staffs of the Miami Beach hotels would host each other for nights out. “My dad would get us all dressed up and we would see Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. I have unbelievably great memories … gorgeous women, gorgeous gowns, dripping jewelry … and now I’m going to be at the Fountainebleau accepting this position. It’s going to be really touching. It’s going to be awesome.” n
Andrews in the News Reviews, Raves and Recaps from 40 Years in Business Andrew’s 2nd Act, Tutto Bene, Maxin’s and Brass Rail were cited in an issue of Gourmet magazine for “the best eating in Tallahassee.” Dec. 14, 1975 The Tallahassee Democrat announces the opening of two new downtown restaurants, Sun and Moon and Andrew’s 2nd Act, both open for lunch and dinner. Jan. 11, 1976 Democrat reporter Lorrie Guttman writes, “Downtown now has an international flavor, thanks to restaurateur Andrew Reiss, who recently opened Andrew’s 2nd Act. Chef James Larry is helping Reiss put life into the previously fading inner city with a restaurant many say is reminiscent of New York or Europe.” August 1978 Andrew’s 2nd Act is named Best in the Northwest by Florida Trend. 1979 A story by UPI reporter Barbara Frye quotes the press secretary of newly elected Gov. Bob Graham: “He doesn’t feel uncomfortable about walking to work, stopping to talk to the garbage man and eating at the Deli.” Sept. 9, 1979 In a Tallahassee Democrat story about downtown, Reiss pointed out two major problems that
would continue to plague the area for years afterward — limited parking and a lack of attractions to keep people downtown after working hours. 1980 Andrew’s 2nd Act earns a Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award for “Best in the Northwest” and is named one of Robert Tolf’s Top 100 Florida restaurants. He calls it “the class act, the place in the capital for civilized dining.” 1980 The Eat Beat’s Lorrie Guttman gives Andrew’s 2nd Act four forks for food and five for ambience. On the menu was Steak Diane and Grouper Diablo.
April 27, 1981 Miami Herald columnist Michael Putney reports Gov. Bob Graham has a standing order for corned beef on rye, while Senate President Dempsey Barron, D-Panama City, always orders a Caesar salad (prepared only by the head waiter) and a steak. Feb. 19, 1981 The Eat Beat gives The Deli four-and-a-half forks for food, four for service and four for ambience, even after given the worst seat in the house. Dinner for two was $17.80. June 1981 Reiss is featured as one of The Achievers in Florida Trend magazine, which reported that his four restaurants generated about $1.2 million each year, employed about 100 people and drew between 800 and 1,200 people a day to Tallahassee’s downtown. Aug. 16, 1984 The Brass Rail gets a four-hat review from Ashby Stiff, who praises the Shrimp and Crab Martinique and authentic key lime pie, but is not impressed by the “medication-sized” gin-and-tonics. March 21, 1985 The Northern Italian food at Tutto Bene garners a four-hat review. High points, according to Stiff, included the plum and gray décor, the marinara sauce, Veal Scallopine Marsala and Pollo Fiorentina. »
tallahasseeMagazine.com September–October 2012
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