As Tony P’s Dockside Grill prepares to close at the end of June, I’ve found myself reflecting on the profound impact Tony Palermo has had on my life — not just professionally, but personally and profoundly.
I first met Tony P when I was a newly minted lawyer in the early 2000s. My wife and I were having dinner on the patio at Tony P’s — a place that would soon become like a second home — when I heard about a golf tournament hosted by the California Restaurant Association. Knowing the law firm was working at had a connection to the CRA, I decided to cold call Tony and ask if I could join.
He didn’t hesitate. “Sure,” he said warmly, “I’ll set you up with a great foursome.” That simple act of generosity sparked a friendship — and a career trajectory — that I could have never predicted. The partner he placed me with, Greg McNally, became a friend, a client, and a key connection in my journey within California’s restaurant industry. Greg and I still talk a lot and try to play together in the annual golf tournament. That was just Tony: welcoming, kind, and a connector of people.
A Mentor in Hospitality and Leadership
Tony’s influence extended far beyond that first golf tournament. In 2005, he was instrumental in encouraging me to join the California Restaurant Association Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors. He believed in my potential when I was still finding my voice as a young attorney. And when I made the leap to start my first law firm in 2007, Tony was there with a smile and a signature Tony P line:
“Well, if it doesn’t work out… at least they can’t take your birthday away from you.”
That line has stuck with me ever since — a reminder to bet on yourself, and to keep your perspective no matter what.
A Place Full of Memories
Tony P’s wasn’t just a restaurant. It was our family’s place. Since my mom first met Tony in 1999 to plan my LMU graduation dinner, we’ve celebrated a lot of events there: birthdays, Friday night dinners, wedding parties, and law firm holiday gatherings.
My wife and I have likely shared over 500 dinners there with our three boys. That spacious, scenic outdoor patio was the perfect refuge for a young family — a place where our kids could be noisy, and we could relax, watch the boats drift by, and enjoy some “no bones about it” (my favorite), bread bowl clam chowder (some of the best I’ve had), burgers, or a round of Tony’s famous Mai Tais.
It became our go-to recommendation for visiting family and friends. Because when you brought someone to Tony P’s, you were bringing them into the heart of Marina del Rey.
The Interview That Said It All
In 2011, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tony for an interview as part of my video series Just Ship It. That conversation was a masterclass in hustle, heart, and the grit it takes to succeed in the restaurant business. Tony shared how he started working in kitchens at age 13 in Detroit, eventually building his culinary foundation through experience, grit, and mentors he called his “angels.”
From those early days — boning out lamb legs in a European-style kitchen, sleeping at the restaurant during remodels, to opening Teasers in Santa Monica and eventually Tony P’s Dockside Grill in 1997 — Tony’s story is an American success story. No silver spoon, no shortcuts. Just hard work, long hours, and a deep love for hospitality.
He spoke candidly in the interview about the realities of the business:
“The restaurant business is hard — but it’s no secret. It’s good food, good service, reasonably priced, and giving people what they want. But to do that, you’ve got to work a lot.”
The video is something I’ll always treasure — a lasting testament to Tony’s wisdom, grit, and generous spirit. You can watch it below.
More Than a Restaurateur — A Community Builder and an “Angel”
Tony wasn’t just running a restaurant; he was building a community. He preached getting involved: in the local chamber, in nonprofit work, and in the CRA. In that same interview, he said:
“Most restaurant guys are the mayor of their own city — but you’ve got to reach out to the other cities.”
Tony and his business partner, Dan Ringwood, didn’t just talk about giving back — they lived it. From fundraisers and legendary beer dinners (where Tony crafted everything on the menu, even the ice cream) to supporting over 400 nonprofits, their generosity rippled throughout the community. Tony P’s wasn’t just a restaurant on the water — it was the heart of Marina del Rey. That spirit extended to the next generation too: Tony and Danny hosted nearly every kindergarten class from St. Anastasia, giving local kids an unforgettable field trip filled with behind-the-scenes tours, laughter, and hands-on learning. For so many, their first real taste of the restaurant world — and of community — began at Tony P’s.
A Legacy That Will Outlive the Closing
The closing of Tony P’s Dockside Grill marks the end of an era, but Tony’s legacy lives on — in the careers he helped launch, the families he fed, the friendships he sparked, and the culture of community he championed. As someone who started as a customer, then became a mentee, friend, and forever fan, and an angel for me, I can say with deep gratitude: Thank you, Tony.
Thank you for welcoming a young lawyer into the restaurant world. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the late nights filled with stories. Thank you for giving my family a place to grow up around a table.
Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Tony and Danny. You’ve fed a city — and you’ve filled our lives with joy.
— Anthony Zaller