When Brenna and Danny Lewis first set foot in Baltimore in late 2023, they were drawn to the city’s energy after a visit to Hotel Ulysses in Mount Vernon. The couple, longtime admirers of the Ash Hotel Group, fell in love with the city’s “young, energetic, creative” vibe and decided to make it their home. By March 2024 they were living in Charm City and looking for a place to plant roots.
From Brooklyn Tailors to Amadeo’s
Originally from California, Brenna and Danny dated in high school, married, and moved to New York nearly two decades ago. In Brooklyn they founded Brooklyn Tailors, a business they still run alongside their new restaurant venture. “Baltimore reminded us of old Brooklyn,” Danny explains. “You could start a business and be successful, which is harder to do in Brooklyn now.”
The couple’s search for a restaurant location led them to Little Italy, an historic school‑neighborhood with a tight‑knit community. “Everyone knows everyone,” Brenna says. “You don’t want to mess up, but you also want to make the place your own.” Their purchase of Amadeo’s was facilitated by the longtime owner, Amadeo, who helped them navigate the space and the neighborhood. Amadeo’s daughter Becca now serves as a server, adding a personal touch to the family‑run atmosphere.
Why Amadeo’s Felt Right
For the Lewises, the appeal lay in a building with history already baked in. “We didn’t want to rent a white box and build it out,” Danny notes. “There’s a patina to this place and we love that.” The restaurant’s signature Caesar salad, constantly reinvented, reflects their commitment to making classic dishes their own.
Both owners stress that the transition has been challenging but rewarding. “We had literally zero experience in our early 40s,” Brenna admits, calling Amadeo’s their greatest accomplishment. Danny adds that opening a restaurant in their first year has been “mind‑blowing” and a source of pride.
Personal Touches and Daily Life
Beyond the business, the Lewises share personal details that reveal their values. Brenna’s prized possession is the building that houses Amadeo’s, bought after they scrimped and saved following the closure of their Brooklyn storefront due to COVID and rent hikes. She also treasures rings Danny has given her, especially a panther ring from her 40th birthday.
Danny wears a necklace inherited from his grandfather, a daily reminder of family ties. Their favorite meals when dining out include raw fish, medium‑rare steak, and a classic steakhouse menu with a Manhattan cocktail and crab imperial. At home, they enjoy grilling in summer, making soups in winter, and experimenting with new recipes, though they admit they cook less than before.
Morning routines are simple: Brenna drinks coffee with a dash of whole milk, while Danny prefers drip coffee with a little milk and no sugar. Danny even brings Brenna coffee in bed each morning, a small ritual they cherish.
Guiding Mottos and Future Plans
During the pandemic, the couple adopted the motto “Burn it to the ground,” reflecting their decision to restructure Brooklyn Tailors, relocate to Baltimore, and start a new career. They acknowledge the confusion it caused family and friends but emphasize that they followed their gut instincts.
Looking ahead, the Lewises say they have “so far to go” but are confident that Amadeo’s is on a positive trajectory. Their story illustrates how faith in hard work, family support, and community engagement can revitalize a historic neighborhood while offering a fresh dining experience for Baltimore residents.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
