Tony DeSantis

Anthony DeSantis, KStJ (January 5, 1914 – 6 June 2007) was an American entrepreneur and theater owner in Chicago, Illinois and its suburbs. He is most well known for the foundation of the area's Drury Lane theaters. During DeSantis' lifetime, his empire included 6 separate theaters.

Life and career

DeSantis was born in Gary, Indiana and began his career in show business as a trumpet player in Chicago. In 1935, he was nearly killed in an explosion at the Glidden paint factory where he was working. In 1940, he purchased a club on Michigan Avenue before moving out of Chicago to nearby Evergreen Park, where he opened the Martinique Restaurant, which was highly acclaimed. He began producing plays in 1949 in a tent adjacent to the restaurant to attract customers. The enterprise was successful, prompting him to build his first theatre.

Drury Lane Theaters

The DeSantis theatres were named after the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, built in London in the 17th century. His five suburban Chicago locations all provided affordable dinner theatre that was appropriate for families. DeSantis claimed that alcohol sales were profitable; if you broke even when operating a theatre, you were successful.