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{{short description|American restaurateur}}
{{infobox person {{infobox person
|name = Arnie Morton |name = Arnie Morton
|birth_name = Arnold Morton |birth_name = Arnold Jerome Cohen
|birth_date = 1922 |birth_date = {{birth date|1922|3|23}}
|birth_place = ] |birth_place = ]
|death_date = {{death date and given age|2005|5|28|83}} |death_date = {{death date and given age|2005|5|28|83}}
Line 8: Line 9:
|occupation = Businessman |occupation = Businessman
|known for = Founder of ] |known for = Founder of ]
|spouse = Spouse 1 (divorced)<br>Zorine Morton |spouse = Adleen June Savin (divorced)<br />Zorine Morton
|children = 7, including ] and ] |children = 7, including ] and ]
|family = ] (grandson) |family = ] (grandson)
}} }}


'''Arnold "Arnie" Morton ''' (1922 – May 28, 2005) was a restaurateur who founded ] Restaurant Group/Morton's Steakhouse. '''Arnold Jerome Morton ''' (March 23, 1922 – May 28, 2005) was a restaurateur who founded ] Restaurant Group/Morton's Steakhouse.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Arnie Morton was born to a ] family<ref>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title=HPHS Jewish 'Fame and Fortune' Alumni |website=Chicago Jewish Historical Society|date=Fall 2007 |url= http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/pdf/2007/cjhs_2007_4.pdf |accessdate=}}</ref> in ], the son of Mort and Isabel Morton.<ref name=RobertObit>{{Cite news|first= |last= |authorlink= |title=Robert C. Morton, attorney, age 82, of Evanston, formerly of Lincolnwood. |newspaper=]|date=December 30, 2011 |url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=155243419#fbLoggedOut|quote=...son of the late Mort and Isabel Morton; fond brother of the late Arnold (Zorine) Morton and the late Edward (Lauri) Morton.}}</ref> He grew up in the ] neighborhood on the city's ], where his father owned two restaurants.<ref name=ChiTribObit> May 29, 2005</ref> He had two brothers, Edward and Robert.<ref name=RobertObit /> From the age of 15, Morton bused tables, worked in the kitchen, and performed a wide array of odd jobs in the family business. Arnold Jerome Cohen was born in ], the son of Morton Cohen Morton and Isabelle Cohen Morton.<ref name=RobertObit>{{Cite news|title=Robert C. Morton, attorney, age 82, of Evanston, formerly of Lincolnwood.|newspaper=]|date=December 30, 2011|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=155243419#fbLoggedOut|quote=...son of the late Mort and Isabel Morton; fond brother of the late Arnold (Zorine) Morton and the late Edward (Lauri) Morton.|access-date=September 2, 2013|archive-date=June 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623182429/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=155243419#fbLoggedOut|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Morton, Robert C. 82. Soulmate of Rita (nee Birnbaum) |website= ] |date= February 2012 |url= https://www.juf.org/news/obit.aspx?id=414077 |access-date= 2020-09-26 |archive-date= 2021-11-25 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211125192415/https://www.juf.org/news/obit.aspx?id=414077 |url-status= live }}</ref> He was of ] descent.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |last= |authorlink= |title=HPHS Jewish 'Fame and Fortune' Alumni |website=Chicago Jewish Historical Society |date=Fall 2007 |url=http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/pdf/2007/cjhs_2007_4.pdf |accessdate= |archive-date=2016-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118055133/http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/pdf/2007/cjhs_2007_4.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> He grew up in the ] neighborhood on the city's ], where his father owned two restaurants.<ref name=ChiTribObit>{{Cite news |first=M. Daniel |last=Gibbard |title=Arnold 'Arnie' Morton / 1922-2005 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=May 29, 2005 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/05/29/arnold-arnie-morton/ |access-date=2015-08-04 |archive-date=2013-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029211603/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-29/news/0505290405_1_hugh-hefner-rush-street-restaurants |url-status=live }}</ref> He had two brothers, Edward and Robert.<ref name=RobertObit /> From the age of 15, Morton bused tables, worked in the kitchen, and performed a wide array of odd jobs in the family business. He graduated from ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=HPHS Jewish 'Fame and Fortune' Alumni |website=Chicago Jewish Historical Society |date=Fall 2007 |url=http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/pdf/2007/cjhs_2007_4.pdf |access-date=2013-04-19 |archive-date=2016-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118055133/http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/pdf/2007/cjhs_2007_4.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and enlisted in the ] during ] where he saw eight months of action after arriving in ] immediately after ].<ref name=ChiTribObit /> After the war, he attended the ] where he played ] for two years.<ref name=ChiTribObit />
He graduated from Hyde Park High School and enlisted in the ] during ] where he saw eight months of action after arriving in ] immediately after ].<ref name=ChiTribObit /> After the war, he attended the ] where he played ] for two years.<ref name=ChiTribObit />


==Career== ==Career==
Arnie Morton opened his first restaurant, the Walton Walk, between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue in the 1950s.<ref name=ChiTribObit /> This paved the way for a partnership with ] and ], launching the ] in 1960.<ref name=ChiTribObit /> Morton was the right-hand man of Hugh Hefner when he launched the Playboy Empire on February 29, 1960.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-07-Sat-2006/news/3723486.html |title=News - NORM: Playboy event 'as good as it gets' |publisher=reviewjournal.com |accessdate=2010-09-21| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101031094243/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-07-Sat-2006/news/3723486.html| archivedate= 31 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> He served as Executive Vice President of ], where he developed the worldwide chain of Playboy Clubs.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_23_39/ai_n13815502 |title=Steakhouse chain pioneer 'Arnie' Morton dies at 83 &#124; Nation's Restaurant News &#124; Find Articles at BNET.com |publisher=Findarticles.com |date=2005-06-06 |accessdate=2010-09-21}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He went out on his own again after ten years,<ref name=ChiTribObit /> partnering with Klaus Fritsch, the food and beverage director of the Playboy Clubs.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030013530/http://insidedenver.com/drmn/spotlight_columnists/article/0%2C2777%2CDRMN_23962_5023056%2C00.html |date=October 30, 2006 }}</ref> Arnie Morton opened his first restaurant, the Walton Walk, between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue in the 1950s.<ref name=ChiTribObit /> This paved the way for a partnership with ] and ], launching the ] in 1960.<ref name=ChiTribObit /> Morton was the right-hand man of Hugh Hefner when he launched the Playboy Empire on February 29, 1960.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-07-Sat-2006/news/3723486.html |title=News - NORM: Playboy event 'as good as it gets' |publisher=reviewjournal.com |access-date=2010-09-21| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101031094243/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-07-Sat-2006/news/3723486.html| archive-date= 31 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> He served as Executive Vice President of ], where he developed the worldwide chain of Playboy Clubs.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_23_39/ai_n13815502 |title=Steakhouse chain pioneer 'Arnie' Morton dies at 83 &#124; Nation's Restaurant News &#124; Find Articles at BNET.com |publisher=Findarticles.com |date=2005-06-06 |access-date=2010-09-21}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He went out on his own again after ten years,<ref name=ChiTribObit /> partnering with Klaus Fritsch, the food and beverage director of the Playboy Clubs.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030013530/http://insidedenver.com/drmn/spotlight_columnists/article/0%2C2777%2CDRMN_23962_5023056%2C00.html |date=October 30, 2006 }}</ref>


Arnie Morton's parents had run a restaurant in Hyde Park, called Morton's, which for 23 years had been located at 5487 Lake Park Avenue.<ref name="thecore.uchicago.edu">{{Cite web|url=http://thecore.uchicago.edu/Summer2016/departments/defunct-hyde-park-restaurants.shtml|title=The Core: College Magazine of the University of Chicago|website=thecore.uchicago.edu|access-date=2017-10-07}}</ref> In 1958, his parents having died, Morton relocated the restaurant to the newly-opened Shore Drive Motel, at 56th and South Shore Drive.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/809911094|title=Chicago's historic Hyde Park|last=O'Connor,|first=Davis, Susan|others=Vinci, John,|isbn=9780226138145|location=Chicago|oclc=809911094}}</ref> The menu was sophisticated for the era, featuring filet mignon, roast duck, lamb shish kebab flambe, and Caesar salad.<ref name="thecore.uchicago.edu"/> In 1978, Morton closed the Hyde Park location to open the first Morton's Steakhouse (see below). Arnie Morton's parents had run a restaurant in Hyde Park, called Morton's, which for 23 years had been located at 5487 Lake Park Avenue.<ref name="thecore.uchicago.edu">{{Cite web|url=http://thecore.uchicago.edu/Summer2016/departments/defunct-hyde-park-restaurants.shtml|title=The Core: College Magazine of the University of Chicago|website=thecore.uchicago.edu|access-date=2017-10-07}}</ref> In 1958, his parents having died, Morton relocated the restaurant to the newly-opened Shore Drive Motel, at 56th and South Shore Drive.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Chicago's historic Hyde Park|last=O'Connor|first=Davis, Susan|others=Vinci, John|isbn=9780226138145|location=Chicago|oclc=809911094|date = 2013-07-09}}</ref> The menu was sophisticated for the era, featuring filet mignon, roast duck, lamb shish kebab flambe, and Caesar salad.<ref name="thecore.uchicago.edu"/> In 1978, Morton closed the Hyde Park location to open the first Morton's Steakhouse (see below).


In the 1970s, he and Klitsch opened several successful ventures in Chicago including Arnie's on Chicago's ];<ref name=ChiTribObit /> the seafood restaurant LaMer;<ref name=autogenerated1 /> and the disco/night club Zorrine's (named after Morton's wife).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mortons.com/bios/Klaus_Fritsch.pdf |title=Klaus Fritsch: Co-Founder & Vice Chairman Morton's, The Steakhouse |format=PDF |website=] |accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=LATimesObit> May 31, 2005</ref> In 1978, Morton's of Chicago opened in the basement of a ] high-rise in ] adjacent to the existing Arnie's restaurant.<ref name=ChiTribObit /> The menu consisted simply of giant potatoes and large steaks. It was slow at the beginning, but gained a boost when ] arrived at the restaurant and became a regular.<ref name=LATimesObit /> In the 1970s, he and Klitsch opened several successful ventures in Chicago's ] including Arnie's on Chicago's ];<ref name=ChiTribObit /> the seafood restaurant LaMer;<ref name=autogenerated1 /> and the disco/night club Zorrine's (named after Morton's wife).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mortons.com/bios/Klaus_Fritsch.pdf |title=Klaus Fritsch: Co-Founder & Vice Chairman Morton's, The Steakhouse |website=] |access-date=August 3, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701092611/http://www.mortons.com/bios/Klaus_Fritsch.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=LATimesObit> May 31, 2005</ref> In 1978, Morton's of Chicago opened in the basement of ] in ] adjacent to the existing Arnie's restaurant.<ref name=ChiTribObit /> The menu consisted simply of giant potatoes and large steaks. It was slow at the beginning, but gained a boost when ] arrived at the restaurant and became a regular.<ref name=LATimesObit />


In 1987, Morton sold ] Steakhouses, then with $15 million in sales and nine restaurants throughout the United States, for $12.4 million to the venture capital firm Quantum Restaurant Group, Inc. in partnership with the Baltimore brokerage house ] with Fritsch staying on as president.<ref> retrieved August 3, 2015</ref> In 1987, Morton sold ] Steakhouses, then with $15 million in sales and nine restaurants throughout the United States, for $12.4 million to the venture capital firm Quantum Restaurant Group, Inc. in partnership with the Baltimore brokerage house ] with Fritsch staying on as president.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729064534/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/morton-s-restaurant-group-inc-history/ |date=2015-07-29 }} retrieved August 3, 2015</ref>


Morton's eventually grew into a chain of Morton's of 70 locations in the United States, ], ], ], ], ], and ]. In 2011, Landry's bought 77 Morton Restaurants for $116.6 Million. Morton's eventually grew into a chain of Morton's of 70 locations in the United States, ], ], ], ], ], and ]. In 2011, Landry's bought 77 Morton Restaurants for $116.6 Million.


==Taste of Chicago== ==Taste of Chicago==
Morton is credited as the inspiration behind the "]", one of the city's best-loved summer festivals. He got the idea when he went to a similar event in New York in the late 1970s. Thinking that Chicago could do much better, he lined up restaurants to participate and persuaded then Mayor ] to block off Michigan Avenue for the first Taste of Chicago on July 4, 1980. A crowd of 100,000 was expected, but more than 250,000 showed up, with food and soda sales grossing $300,000. Since then, the festival has been held annually during the ] celebrations.<ref></ref> Morton is credited as the inspiration behind the "]", one of the city's best-loved summer festivals. He got the idea when he went to a similar event in New York in the late 1970s. Thinking that Chicago could do much better, he lined up restaurants to participate and persuaded then Mayor ] to block off Michigan Avenue for the first Taste of Chicago on July 4, 1980. A crowd of 100,000 was expected, but more than 250,000 showed up, with food and soda sales grossing $300,000. Since then, the festival has been held annually during the ] celebrations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20050529/ai_n14662793 |title=Archived copy |website=www.findarticles.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924095122/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20050529/ai_n14662793 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Morton was married for a short period after World War II and had twins: ] and Pam Morton. Later he met his surviving wife Zorine at a ] party in 1960, and they married in 1961. They had five children: sons Michael and David; and daughters Stephanie Morton, Amy Morton-Levin and Debra Morton-Berger.<ref> by Myrna Oliver] May 31, 2005</ref> He has a brother, Robert.<ref>as well as a brother Eddy. Morton was married for a short period after World War II to Adleen June Savin, and had twins: ] and Pam Morton. Later he met his surviving wife Zorine at a ] party in 1960, and they married in 1961. They had five children: sons Michael and David; and daughters Stephanie Morton, Amy Morton-Levin and Debra Morton-Berger.<ref> by Myrna Oliver] May 31, 2005</ref> He has a brother, Robert.<ref>as well as a brother Eddy.
{{cite web|url=http://www.juf.org/news_public_affairs/article.asp?key%3D6265 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2006-11-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717192104/http://www.juf.org/news_public_affairs/article.asp?key=6265 |archivedate=2011-07-17 }}</ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.juf.org/news_public_affairs/article.asp?key%3D6265 |title=News Article |access-date=2006-11-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717192104/http://www.juf.org/news_public_affairs/article.asp?key=6265 |archive-date=2011-07-17 }}</ref>


His son ] is the founder and owner of ] and co-founder of ]; his daughter Pam Morton is the general manager of Morton's restaurant in Los Angeles;<ref>{{Cite news|first1= Manuel |last1=Galvan |first2= Barbara |last2=Sullivan |authorlink= |title= Time to retaste the best of eats |newspaper=]|date=January 5, 1990 |url= https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/389298380/ |accessdate=}}</ref> his daughter Amy Morton-Levin is the owner and operator of the restaurant Found in ];<ref>{{Cite news|first=Rick |last=Kogan |authorlink= |title= Notes left in drawers are now a part of Amy Morton's Found |newspaper=]|date= |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-love-letters-found-kogan-sidewalks-ae-0212-20170209-column.html |quote=She worked in the business for a short time doing consulting until meeting her husband, attorney Neal Levin, and starting a family that now includes three girls, two in high school and one soon to be.}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810045449/http://www.foundkitchen.com/our-story/ |date=2015-08-10 }} retrieved August 3, 2015</ref> his son ] is the head of the ] which operates contemporary American steakhouses in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Dallas; his daughter Debra Morton is a documentary filmmaker and TV producer (PBS, A&E, Discovery, COMCAST) and owner of a contemporary European art gallery in Philadelphia;{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} his daughter Stephanie Morton-Millstein is an artist and producer living in Los Angeles;<ref>{{Cite news|first= |last= |authorlink= |title=Vegas, Baby |newspaper=]|date=August 16, 2007 |url= https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20070816/283016870314787|accessdate=}}</ref> and his son David Morton is the co-owner of the Chicago restaurants—DMK Burger Bar, Fish Bar, County Barbeque, Henry's Swing Club and Ada Street. Morton was the grandfather of the late ] (1981–2019), President and CEO of the Mexican restaurant chain ], and 16 other grandchildren.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} His son ] is the founder and owner of ] and co-founder of ]; his daughter Pam Morton is the general manager of Morton's restaurant in Los Angeles;<ref>{{Cite news |first1= Manuel |last1= Galvan |first2= Barbara |last2= Sullivan |title= Time to retaste the best of eats |newspaper= Chicago Tribune |date= January 5, 1990 |url= https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/389298380/ |access-date= November 25, 2019 |archive-date= December 5, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211205064845/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/389298380/ |url-status= live }}</ref> his daughter Amy Morton-Levin is the owner and operator of the restaurant Found in ];<ref>{{Cite news|first=Rick |last=Kogan |title= Notes left in drawers are now a part of Amy Morton's Found |newspaper=Chicago Tribune|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-love-letters-found-kogan-sidewalks-ae-0212-20170209-column.html |quote=She worked in the business for a short time doing consulting until meeting her husband, attorney Neal Levin, and starting a family that now includes three girls, two in high school and one soon to be.}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810045449/http://www.foundkitchen.com/our-story/ |date=2015-08-10 }} retrieved August 3, 2015</ref> his son ] is the head of the ] which operates contemporary American steakhouses in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Dallas; his daughter Debra Morton-Berger is a documentary filmmaker and TV producer (PBS, A&E, Discovery, COMCAST) and owner of a contemporary European art gallery in Philadelphia;{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} his daughter Stephanie Morton-Millstein is an artist and producer living in Los Angeles;<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vegas, Baby |newspaper=] |date=August 16, 2007 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20070816/283016870314787 |access-date=November 25, 2019 |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013022647/https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20070816/283016870314787 |url-status=live }}</ref> and his son David Morton is the co-owner of the Chicago restaurants—DMK Burger Bar, Fish Bar, County Barbeque, Henry's Swing Club and Ada Street.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Christina |last=Le Beau |title= The Take-Away: David Morton |website=]|date=January 24, 2015 |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150124/ISSUE03/301249996/a-few-of-david-morton-s-favorite-things }}</ref> Morton was the grandfather of the late ] (1981–2019), President and CEO of the Mexican restaurant chain ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://people.com/food/harry-morton-dies-at-38/|title=Restaurateur Harry Morton, 38, Found Dead in Beverly Hills Home by Younger Brother|last=Pasquini|first=Maria|date=November 24, 2019|website=]|access-date=November 25, 2019|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819135456/https://people.com/food/harry-morton-dies-at-38/|url-status=live}}</ref> and 16 other grandchildren.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}


Morton died on May 28, 2005, aged 83 at a ] in ]. He had ] and ].<ref name=ChiTribObit /> In recognition of his significant contributions, a resolution was presented to his family from the House of Representatives of the 94th General Assembly of the State of Illinois "so that his memory may be honored and ever cherished".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/94/HR/09400HR0540.htm |title=HR0540 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY |publisher=Ilga.gov |date=2005-05-28 |accessdate=2010-09-21}}</ref> Morton died on May 28, 2005, aged 83 at a ] in ]. He had ] and ].<ref name=ChiTribObit /> In recognition of his significant contributions, a resolution was presented to his family from the House of Representatives of the 94th General Assembly of the State of Illinois "so that his memory may be honored and ever cherished".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/94/HR/09400HR0540.htm |title=HR0540 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY |publisher=Ilga.gov |date=2005-05-28 |access-date=2010-09-21 |archive-date=2011-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716121534/http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/94/HR/09400HR0540.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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* https://web.archive.org/web/20061109184837/http://www.mortons.com/website/index.html * https://web.archive.org/web/20061109184837/http://www.mortons.com/website/index.html
* http://www.tasteofchicago.us/ * http://www.tasteofchicago.us/

{{Morton family}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Morton, Arnold}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Morton, Arnold}}
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Latest revision as of 18:57, 9 September 2024

American restaurateur
Arnie Morton
BornArnold Jerome Cohen
(1922-03-23)March 23, 1922
Chicago, Illinois
Died (aged 83)
Deerfield, Illinois
OccupationBusinessman
Known forFounder of Morton's Restaurant Group
Spouse(s)Adleen June Savin (divorced)
Zorine Morton
Children7, including Peter and Michael
FamilyHarry Morton (grandson)

Arnold Jerome Morton (March 23, 1922 – May 28, 2005) was a restaurateur who founded Morton's Restaurant Group/Morton's Steakhouse.

Early life

Arnold Jerome Cohen was born in Chicago, the son of Morton Cohen Morton and Isabelle Cohen Morton. He was of Jewish descent. He grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the city's South Side, where his father owned two restaurants. He had two brothers, Edward and Robert. From the age of 15, Morton bused tables, worked in the kitchen, and performed a wide array of odd jobs in the family business. He graduated from Hyde Park High School and enlisted in the United States Army during World War II where he saw eight months of action after arriving in Normandy, France immediately after D-day. After the war, he attended the University of Alabama where he played football for two years.

Career

Arnie Morton opened his first restaurant, the Walton Walk, between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue in the 1950s. This paved the way for a partnership with Victor Lownes and Hugh Hefner, launching the Playboy Club in 1960. Morton was the right-hand man of Hugh Hefner when he launched the Playboy Empire on February 29, 1960. He served as Executive Vice President of Playboy Enterprises, where he developed the worldwide chain of Playboy Clubs. He went out on his own again after ten years, partnering with Klaus Fritsch, the food and beverage director of the Playboy Clubs.

Arnie Morton's parents had run a restaurant in Hyde Park, called Morton's, which for 23 years had been located at 5487 Lake Park Avenue. In 1958, his parents having died, Morton relocated the restaurant to the newly-opened Shore Drive Motel, at 56th and South Shore Drive. The menu was sophisticated for the era, featuring filet mignon, roast duck, lamb shish kebab flambe, and Caesar salad. In 1978, Morton closed the Hyde Park location to open the first Morton's Steakhouse (see below).

In the 1970s, he and Klitsch opened several successful ventures in Chicago's Newberry Plaza including Arnie's on Chicago's Gold Coast; the seafood restaurant LaMer; and the disco/night club Zorrine's (named after Morton's wife). In 1978, Morton's of Chicago opened in the basement of Newberry Plaza in Chicago adjacent to the existing Arnie's restaurant. The menu consisted simply of giant potatoes and large steaks. It was slow at the beginning, but gained a boost when Frank Sinatra arrived at the restaurant and became a regular.

In 1987, Morton sold Morton's Steakhouses, then with $15 million in sales and nine restaurants throughout the United States, for $12.4 million to the venture capital firm Quantum Restaurant Group, Inc. in partnership with the Baltimore brokerage house Alex. Brown & Sons with Fritsch staying on as president.

Morton's eventually grew into a chain of Morton's of 70 locations in the United States, Hongkong, China, Singapore, Macau, Mexico, and Canada. In 2011, Landry's bought 77 Morton Restaurants for $116.6 Million.

Taste of Chicago

Morton is credited as the inspiration behind the "Taste of Chicago", one of the city's best-loved summer festivals. He got the idea when he went to a similar event in New York in the late 1970s. Thinking that Chicago could do much better, he lined up restaurants to participate and persuaded then Mayor Jane Byrne to block off Michigan Avenue for the first Taste of Chicago on July 4, 1980. A crowd of 100,000 was expected, but more than 250,000 showed up, with food and soda sales grossing $300,000. Since then, the festival has been held annually during the Fourth of July celebrations.

Personal life

Morton was married for a short period after World War II to Adleen June Savin, and had twins: Peter Morton and Pam Morton. Later he met his surviving wife Zorine at a Playboy party in 1960, and they married in 1961. They had five children: sons Michael and David; and daughters Stephanie Morton, Amy Morton-Levin and Debra Morton-Berger. He has a brother, Robert.

His son Peter Morton is the founder and owner of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe; his daughter Pam Morton is the general manager of Morton's restaurant in Los Angeles; his daughter Amy Morton-Levin is the owner and operator of the restaurant Found in Evanston, Illinois; his son Michael Morton is the head of the N9NE Group which operates contemporary American steakhouses in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Dallas; his daughter Debra Morton-Berger is a documentary filmmaker and TV producer (PBS, A&E, Discovery, COMCAST) and owner of a contemporary European art gallery in Philadelphia; his daughter Stephanie Morton-Millstein is an artist and producer living in Los Angeles; and his son David Morton is the co-owner of the Chicago restaurants—DMK Burger Bar, Fish Bar, County Barbeque, Henry's Swing Club and Ada Street. Morton was the grandfather of the late Harry Morton (1981–2019), President and CEO of the Mexican restaurant chain Pink Taco, and 16 other grandchildren.

Morton died on May 28, 2005, aged 83 at a care home in Deerfield, Illinois. He had Alzheimer's disease and cancer. In recognition of his significant contributions, a resolution was presented to his family from the House of Representatives of the 94th General Assembly of the State of Illinois "so that his memory may be honored and ever cherished".

References

  1. ^ "Robert C. Morton, attorney, age 82, of Evanston, formerly of Lincolnwood". Chicago Tribune. December 30, 2011. Archived from the original on June 23, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2013. ...son of the late Mort and Isabel Morton; fond brother of the late Arnold (Zorine) Morton and the late Edward (Lauri) Morton.
  2. "Morton, Robert C. 82. Soulmate of Rita (nee Birnbaum)". Jewish United Fund. February 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-11-25. Retrieved 2020-09-26.
  3. "HPHS Jewish 'Fame and Fortune' Alumni" (PDF). Chicago Jewish Historical Society. Fall 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-01-18.
  4. ^ Gibbard, M. Daniel (May 29, 2005). "Arnold 'Arnie' Morton / 1922-2005". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2015-08-04.
  5. "HPHS Jewish 'Fame and Fortune' Alumni" (PDF). Chicago Jewish Historical Society. Fall 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
  6. "News - NORM: Playboy event 'as good as it gets'". reviewjournal.com. Archived from the original on 31 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-21.
  7. ^ "Steakhouse chain pioneer 'Arnie' Morton dies at 83 | Nation's Restaurant News | Find Articles at BNET.com". Findarticles.com. 2005-06-06. Retrieved 2010-09-21.
  8. Meitus: Burger launched chef's career-building alliance : Columns & Blogs : The Rocky Mountain News Archived October 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ "The Core: College Magazine of the University of Chicago". thecore.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2017-10-07.
  10. O'Connor, Davis, Susan (2013-07-09). Chicago's historic Hyde Park. Vinci, John. Chicago. ISBN 9780226138145. OCLC 809911094.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. "Klaus Fritsch: Co-Founder & Vice Chairman Morton's, The Steakhouse" (PDF). Morton's The Steakhouse. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  12. ^ Los Angeles Times: "Arnie Morton, 83; He Worked the Room at His 'Steakhouses for the Rich'" by Myrna Oliver May 31, 2005
  13. Funding Universe: "Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. History" Archived 2015-07-29 at the Wayback Machine retrieved August 3, 2015
  14. "Archived copy". www.findarticles.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. Los Angeles Times: "Arnie Morton, 83; He Worked the Room at His 'Steakhouses for the Rich'" by Myrna Oliver] May 31, 2005
  16. as well as a brother Eddy. "News Article". Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2006-11-06.
  17. Galvan, Manuel; Sullivan, Barbara (January 5, 1990). "Time to retaste the best of eats". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  18. Kogan, Rick. "Notes left in drawers are now a part of Amy Morton's Found". Chicago Tribune. She worked in the business for a short time doing consulting until meeting her husband, attorney Neal Levin, and starting a family that now includes three girls, two in high school and one soon to be.
  19. Found Kitchen website Archived 2015-08-10 at the Wayback Machine retrieved August 3, 2015
  20. "Vegas, Baby". Chicago Sun-Times. August 16, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  21. Le Beau, Christina (January 24, 2015). "The Take-Away: David Morton". Crain's Chicago Business.
  22. Pasquini, Maria (November 24, 2019). "Restaurateur Harry Morton, 38, Found Dead in Beverly Hills Home by Younger Brother". People.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  23. "HR0540 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY". Ilga.gov. 2005-05-28. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-09-21.

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