Toots Shor

American restaurateur and celebrity host

Toots Shor was a prominent American restaurateur and host, known for his eponymous Manhattan restaurant, which became a gathering place for celebrities, athletes, and journalists during the mid-20th century.

Early Life

Toots Shor was born Bernard Shor on May 6, 1903, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a Jewish family and was the youngest of ten children. Shor's early life was marked by financial struggles, and he left school at a young age to help support his family.

Career

Shor moved to New York City in the 1930s, where he began working in various restaurants and nightclubs. His affable personality and knack for making connections quickly earned him a reputation as a skilled host. In 1940, he opened his own restaurant, Toots Shor's, located at 51 West 51st Street in Manhattan.

Toots Shor's Restaurant

Toots Shor with Frank Sinatra and Hank Sanicola, 1947

Toots Shor's restaurant became famous for its lively atmosphere and its clientele, which included some of the most famous personalities of the time. The restaurant was known for its hearty American cuisine and its welcoming environment, where celebrities could relax away from the public eye.

The restaurant was frequented by sports figures such as Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Gleason, and Babe Ruth, as well as entertainers like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Shor himself was known for his larger-than-life personality and his ability to make everyone feel like a VIP.

Personal Life

Toots Shor married Marion "Baby" Shor, and the couple had two daughters. Despite his success, Shor remained a down-to-earth and approachable figure, known for his generosity and sense of humor.

Later Years and Legacy

In the 1960s, Toots Shor's restaurant faced financial difficulties, and it eventually closed in 1971. Shor attempted to open another restaurant, but it did not achieve the same level of success. He passed away on January 23, 1977, in New York City.

Toots Shor's legacy lives on as a symbol of a bygone era in New York City, where the lines between celebrity and everyday life were blurred in the convivial atmosphere of his restaurant. His influence on the hospitality industry and his role in the social scene of mid-20th century America remain significant.

Related Pages

• Frank Sinatra
• Joe DiMaggio
• Babe Ruth
• New York City