Key Facts:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Istarska, Croatia |
| Immigration | Moved to Italy in the late 1950s |
| First Restaurant | Buonavia (Forest Hills, Queens), 1971 |
| Flagship Restaurant | Felidia (Manhattan), 1981 |
| Net Worth (2010) | Estimated $1 – 2 million |
| Date of Death | December 12, 2010 |
Early Life and Background
Felice Bastianich was born in Istarska, Yugoslavia later Croatia, on November 30, 1940. He moved his family to Italy in the late 1950s during the Istrian exodus. He married Lidia Matticchio in 1966, starting a successful culinary partnership.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Istarska, Croatia |
| Immigration | Late 1950s to Italy |
| Marriage | Married Lidia Matticchio, 1966 |
| Siblings | Yolanda Valic; Guerino Bastianich |
Culinary Career and Contributions
The Italian restaurants Felice Bastianich helped create in New York City set new standards for authenticity. In 1971, he and Lidia opened Buonavia and Villa Secondo in Forest Hills, Queens. Their culinary brand was built around Felidia, which debuted in Manhattan in 1981.
| Restaurant | Location | Year Opened | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buonavia | Forest Hills, Queens | 1971 | Co-founder, Operations |
| Villa Secondo | Forest Hills, Queens | 1970s | Co-founder, Management |
| Felidia | Manhattan | 1981 | Co-founder, Investor |
| Becco | Manhattan | 1993 | Partner, Shareholder |
Net Worth Analysis
Felice Bastianich died on December 12, 2010, with a seven-figure net worth. Conservative estimations estimated his assets at ~$1 million, but broader valuations reached $2 million. Different approaches are used to account for his ownership stakes, personal holdings, and subsidiary ventures.
| Estimate | Approximate Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative | $1 million | Based on core restaurant ownership |
| Broader | $2 million | Includes travel ventures and vineyard assets |
Family and Legacy
Felice Bastianich’s family is deeply involved in food. Chef and TV broadcaster Lidia, his ex-wife, is famous. Their son Joe became a famous restaurateur and TV judge, and daughter Tanya co-owns family eateries. His siblings and grandkids carry on the Bastianich name.
| Relation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-Spouse | Lidia Bastianich | Chef, TV Host |
| Son | Joe Bastianich | Restaurateur, Television Judge |
| Daughter | Tanya Bastianich Manuali | Restaurant Co-owner |
| Sister | Yolanda Valic | Family Member |
| Brother | Guerino Bastianich | Family Member |
| Grandchildren | Olivia; Lorenzo; Miles; Ethan; Julia | Family Members |
Later Projects and Business Diversification
Felice Bastianich pursued non-restaurant business pursuits after his 1998 divorce. He started a culinary tour company and bought northern Italian vineyards. These projects expanded his repertoire and showcased his love of traditional food.
| Venture | Activity | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Tours | Guided travel company | Italy & U.S. | Post-1998, food-focused |
| Vineyard Investments | Wine estate acquisitions | Northern Italy | Multiple property buys |
Divorce and Succession
Felice Bastianich clearly transferred his business holdings after his 1998 divorce from Lidia. His children Joe and Tanya received all family restaurant shares. This signaled his retirement from daily management and secured the following generation’s leadership.
| Event | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce from Lidia | 1998 | Legal separation and asset division |
| Share Transfer | 1998 | Restaurant shares transferred to Joe & Tanya |
| Exit from Operations | 1998 | End of direct management role |
Global Influence and Culinary Legacy
Felice Bastianich’s early endeavors enabled a global Italian dining phenomenon. His regional authenticity inspired chefs and restaurateurs worldwide. International markets continue to copy the Bastianich restaurant model—flagships with offshoots.
| Aspect | Influence | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Authentic Regional Cuisine | Elevated industry standards | Inspired global culinary practices |
| Restaurant Model | Flagship-to-offshoot growth | Replicated success internationally |
| Family Brand | Multi-generational approach | Sustained culinary dynasty |
FAQ
Who was Felice Bastianich?
Felice Bastianich, a Croatian restaurateur and entrepreneur, co-founded iconic New York City Italian eateries.
What were his most notable restaurants?
His principal businesses are Buonavia, Villa Secondo, Felidia, and Becco.
What was his projected death net worth?
When he died in 2010, his net worth was estimated at $1 million to $2 million.
Which relatives followed his legacy?
His ex-wife Lidia, son Joe, and daughter Tanya continued the family’s cooking.
When did Felice Bastianich pass away?
Last December 12, 2010, Felice Bastianich died.
