Tommy Cvitanovich
Owner & General Manager Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

Tommy Cvitanovich was born in Canada, but he grew up in New Orleans and Metairie, where he attended Archbishop Rummel High School (doing a lot of homework on his father’s bar). He attended the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism at the University of New Orleans and majored in “Daddy,” while gaining hands-on knowledge of what it takes to own and operate a successful seafood establishment: washing dishes, cooking, and of course, shucking Louisiana oysters.

Tommy owns and operates Drago’s Seafood Restaurant. Tommy and his family run multiple locations and he is widely regarded as an industry leader and advocate for both the seafood and restaurant industries nationwide. Tommy is most recognized not only for inventing "The Single Best Bite of Food in New Orleans," but also for serving countless free, hot meals to communities most in need following natural disasters. He is currently working with local leaders to revitalize Fat City, the neighborhood that has been home to Drago’s original location for the past 55 years.

Tommy holds or has held board positions with the National Restaurant Association, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Restaurants Canada, Metairie Business Development District, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, the Croatian American Society, 2024 ForeKids! Foundation Chairman, and most recently appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to the Board of Commissioners for the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. Tommy received the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2006. In 2011, Tommy was the recipient of New Orleans’ most prestigious award, The Times-Picayune Loving Cup. He was named 2017 Restauranteur of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association.

When he is not working, Tommy spends most of his free time with his friends and his children: Maddie, Josh, Carson, and Callie. He is extremely proud to now work alongside his children, the third generation of Cvitanovich restauranteurs in all of his family owned restaurants. His most recent favorite hobby is spending time with his first grandchild, “baby” Klara. As great as his love is for his family and friends, the New Orleans Saints also share a piece of Tommy’s heart. This is evident through his commitment and support while tailgating, attending games, and feeding the team each Friday before games every season since 2005. Tommy is also a member and past king of both the Washington Mardi Gras Mystick Krewe of Louisianians and the Krewe of Argus. At the end of the day, Tommy specializes in family, hospitality, and having fun.