Joseph "Big Daddy" Flanigan

Flanigan, Joseph "Big Daddy", the founder and Chairman of Flanigan's Enterprises, died Friday morning at his home in Sea Ranch Lakes, Florida. He was 75. Mr. Flanigan was an industry leader in the restaurant and bar business for 45 years. He stayed ahead of his industry by constantly pushing forward new concepts to entertain and provide great food at value pricing. Over the years, his business grew across the country from Florida to California under the name "Big Daddy Lounges" with 77 locations. He became the largest independent lounge operator in the United States. In the mid-eighties with the help of his sons Patrick, Michael and Jim he re-invented the company from a lounge and package store business to seafood restaurants located in South Florida. "He was on the forefront of the entertainment industry", said his son Jim Flanigan the President of the company. Mr. Flanigan grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His grandfather was a founder of the American Store chain of supermarkets. His father was a specialist in the management side of labor relations. After graduation he served in the United States Navy first as a navy diver and then as an executive officer on a mine sweeper. While serving in Japan in 1955 he met his wife, where she was teaching school, the former Ann Nock of Harborton, Virginia. Upon his return from service he worked for Eastman Dillion Securities as a stock broker. In 1959, he came to Florida to pursue his dream of doing in the liquor business what his grandfather had done in groceries. "Whether he was shaking the hand of Presidents, or one of the millions of customers he greeted in our stores over the years, Joe was a one-of-a-kind combination of a bigger than life icon and regular guy. He was, and is, and will always be 'Big Daddy', and truly, the 'Big' stood for his magnanimous heart", said Augie Bucci the COO of the company. Joe Flanigan described himself as outspoken and flamboyant. He was direct and created a business and image that was truly an original. He enjoyed a good laugh and loved spending time with his family diving and fishing in the Bahamas. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Ann Nock Flanigan and their five children: Patricia Flanigan Motta (James Motta), Margaret Flanigan Fraser (Bill Fraser), Patrick Joseph Flanigan (Hooper Flanigan), Michael Barry Flanigan (Cathy Flanigan), and James George Flanigan (DeeDee Flanigan). He was the beloved grand father of 16 grandchildren: Travis, Tucker, Tanner and Trent Motta; Kayli and Walker Fraser; Marina, Cassidy and Makaira Flanigan; Grace, Annie Cate and Jack Flanigan; Madison, Mackenzie, Mackully and Monty Flanigan. He is also survived by his brother James Barry Flanigan of Philadelphia. A memorial service will be conducted at the Assumption Church, at 2001 South Ocean Blvd., in Lauderdale by the Sea on Tuesday, Feb 1st at 10:30AM. The family has asked in lieu of flowers, that any donations be given to the House of Hope and Skipping Stones, 908 SW 1st Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 (954-524-8989). Arrangements entrusted to Kalis Funeral Home, Wilton Manors, FL.