Our Story
A LITTLE HISTORY ON TONY P’S
Dan Ringwood and Tony Palermo have been in the restaurant industry for over 50 years. Meeting in Detroit, Michigan in 1975 as cooks, they carefully planned their future and dreamed of opening a restaurant. Confident in their skills, they decided it was time to move on. Tony entered the Michigan State Chili Cook off and won!! That put him in a thirteen state chili cook-off and he took home the first place honors. He came to Los Angeles for the United States finals, but finished in a disappointing 4th place. However, he had the insight to tour L.A. to see if the West Coast held the answer to his and Dan’s dream. Three months later, California become home to the newly unemployed duo. With no contacts and needing $$$, both set out to establish themselves. Tony landed a job as the Executive Chef at the Hard Rock Café. After several years in that position, he was promoted to Director of Operations for the chain. Danny was hired by Trumps, a 5 star restaurant in West L.A. as the assistant Pastry Chef. After developing his skills for several months, he was appointed Executive Pastry Chef.
In early 1985, having never lost sight of their true goal, the two quit their respective jobs and began the long, difficult task of building their dream restaurant.
On December 26, 1985 that dream became a reality. Teasers Restaurant had been a mainstay in Saint Monica downtown Promenade for over 16 years, finally closing its doors on Friday November 30th 2001. Teasers was know as a local, fun, inviting, friendly, great food store that was a meeting place for celebrities, politicians, tourist, locals and people of every walk of life. In late 1996, Tony P’s became the second vision of Tony and Danny’s. After purchasing Charlie Brown’s and spending a hard, difficult, three months remodeling the restaurant, it was reopened on Super Bowl Sunday , 1997. Now celebrating their 28th year of operation in Marina del Rey. Tony P’s has become the place to be!
TONY PALERMO AKA TONY P
Tony is a dedicated community leader and successful restaurateur. As co-owner of Teasers Restaurant (1985-2001) and Tony P’s Dockside Grill (1997-2025), he has woven community service into both his personal life and business endeavors.
A long-time resident of Westchester, Tony has been instrumental in shaping the local landscape. He served five years on the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau board, including two years as chairman, significantly contributing to attracting new business and generating tax revenue. His efforts were pivotal in the redevelopment and maturity of the Third Street Promenade as a premier Westside attraction. Tony also dedicated five years to the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce board, including two as Vice President. Tony's commitment to community building is evident in his role as a founding member of the Santa Monica College Trade and Tourism Advisory Committee, the Playa Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station Support Unit. He also served on the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station Community Advisory Committee. His outstanding service was recognized in 1998 with a Commendation from L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe for his contributions to the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Department. In 2001, Santa Monica Mayor Michelle Feinstein commended Teasers Restaurant for its extraordinary community service. He was a driving force behind the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau, serving on its board for 20 years, including time on the executive board and as Treasurer. His impact has been widely celebrated, earning him the Westchester/LAX–Marina del Rey Chamber's Outstanding Merchant (2000) and Outstanding Member (2001) awards, along with a Friend of Education Award (2001). In 2002, Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo recognized him with the Chamber’s Community Service Award. Tony’s dedication extends to local celebrations, earning him a Certificate of Appreciation from Council member Ruth Galanter in 2002 for his tireless efforts in making the Fourth of July a success for the Westchester/Playa del Rey community. He was named the Boys and Girls Club of Venice’s 2003 Ambassador for National Kids Day and their 2006 Community Leader of the Year, receiving commendations from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other prominent officials for his work with children. From 2003-2004, Tony served as the Honorary Mayor of Westchester and Marina del Rey. His restaurant, Tony P’s Dockside Grill, was named Business of the Year in 2012 by Senator Ted W. Lieu. Tony's leadership within the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce is extensive; he served as Chairman of the Board for 2012-2013 and has completed multiple terms on both the board and Executive Board for 28 years. His consistent contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the Jim Bunch Spirit Award (2014), the "Kids Need Heroes Community Pillar Award" from the Westchester YMCA (2014), and the Sunrise Community Service Award (2015). Tony P's Dockside Grill has also received recognition for its community support, including a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition (2015) and a Certificate of Appreciation from the L.A. County Fire Department (2016). In 2017, Congressman Ted Lieu presented Tony with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for his participation in the Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition. In 2018, Tony was honored with the 21st Annual Elizabeth Burns Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Restaurant Association, recognizing his exceptional contributions to both the industry and community. He also received a Certificate of Recognition from State Assembly member Autumn Burke for his work with the California Restaurant Association. Most recently, in 2020, the Airport Marina Counseling Service presented Tony with their Community Builder Award. Professionally, Tony's influence is significant. He served on the State Board for the California Restaurant Association from 2004 to 2025, and as President of the Los Angeles Chapter from 2006-2007, after serving two years as Vice President. He continues to serve on the L.A. Chapter Board as Past President. Tony P’s Dockside Grill is a true community fixture, sponsoring youth athletic teams, the annual Fourth of July Parade, and the Santa Claus tour. The restaurant has earned ten consecutive California Gold Awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association, which also named Tony the 2004 Humanitarian of the Year. With his partner, Danny Ringwood, Tony was recognized as the 2006-2007 Restaurateurs of the Year. Tony lives in Westchester with his wife, Lauren, and has two daughters, Francesca and Nicolette.