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Chef's near-miss on 9/11 fuels 25 years of support
6 Sep
Summary
- Chef narrowly escaped death by stopping for glasses on 9/11.
- He co-founded a fund that raised nearly $25 million for families.
- He continues to honor lost colleagues by working in NYC.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Michael Lomonaco, executive chef at Windows on the World, was spared from the tragedy by a chance stop to fix his reading glasses. He was in an optometrist's office when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.
Witnessing the attacks unfold, Lomonaco's immediate concern was for his colleagues and over 100 guests at the restaurant. He watched in horror as the towers burned and eventually collapsed, feeling immense sadness for the 79 employees lost.
Within a week, Lomonaco and industry friends established the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. This initiative successfully raised nearly $25 million to assist the families of those killed, providing support for expenses and educational scholarships.
Lomonaco chose to remain in New York City and continue his culinary career as a tribute to his lost friends and colleagues. He recently opened Brasserie Cognac Américain, dedicating his work to their memory and honor.
