TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo-famous and M*A*S*H-renowned restaurant Tony Packo's was recognized at an industry awards celebration in Columbus earlier this month, during which an employee with a Packo's legacy also received an award.
According to a press release from Tony Packo's, the eatery was a finalist in the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance's Best Restaurant North category.
At the same Dec. 9 awards ceremony, Tony Packo's employee James Hart was recognized for his longtime efforts at the restaurant with the "Best Behind the Scenes Employee" award. The award, which was bestowed on Hart after a public vote, recognizes the best and brightest in the industry, according to the release.
Hart also serves an important role in Tony Packo's legacy in Toledo; in the release, the business said Hart followed in his father's footsteps in choosing to work at Tony Packo's. Hart's father, the release said, worked at Tony Packo's for 35 years and was mentored by some of the restaurants original cooking staff.
Tony Packo's opened in 1932 and serves an important role in Toledo's history. Part of its claim to fame hails from television show M*A*S*H, in which Toledo native Jamie Farr starred as Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger. Farr incorporated his love for Toledo - namely Tony Packo's and the Mud Hens - into his character, elevating both to a national scale.
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