- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Galveston Today
By the People, for the People
Tilman Fertitta's father, Texas hospitality king, dead at 90
Vic Fertitta, a Mardi Gras king and restaurateur, helped shape Galveston's tourism economy.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:20pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations that Vic Fertitta helped shape for decades in Galveston will continue to be a lasting legacy of his impact on the island's tourism and community.Galveston TodayJoseph Victor "Vic" Fertitta, the father of Tilman Fertitta and a prominent figure in Galveston's hospitality industry, passed away at the age of 90. Fertitta was born into the restaurant business, operating popular establishments like Pier 23 and the Golden Greek, and also helped redevelop hotels on the island. Outside of the restaurant world, he was involved in Galveston's civic life, serving on the Park Board of Trustees and co-founding the Knights of Momus Mardi Gras krewe.
Why it matters
The Fertitta family has been a fixture in Galveston's hospitality and tourism industry for decades, helping shape the island's identity. Vic Fertitta's passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a prominent community leader who played a significant role in Galveston's development.
The details
Vic Fertitta worked at his father Victor J. Fertitta's restaurants, the Turf Club and Balinese Room, during Galveston's heyday as the "Free State of Galveston." He later operated his own popular restaurants, Pier 23 and the Golden Greek, and helped redevelop the Treasure Isle hotel and Seahorse Inn hotels. Fertitta also played a role in bringing national chains like Jack in the Box, La Quinta, and Holiday Inn to the island.
- Vic Fertitta passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
- He served as King Frivolous CIV during the 2019 Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston.
The players
Tilman Fertitta
Vic Fertitta's son, the owner of the Houston Rockets (and soon-to-be Comets) and chairman of the Houston Children's Charity board.
Victor J. Fertitta
Vic Fertitta's father, who owned the Turf Club and Balinese Room restaurants in Galveston during the island's heyday.
Joy Fertitta
Vic Fertitta's wife, who was recently named the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year.
The takeaway
The Fertitta family's deep roots in Galveston's hospitality industry and civic life have left an indelible mark on the island's identity. Vic Fertitta's passing represents the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape Galveston's future.
