A local legend, Romeo Taus, owner and chef of Romeo's Euro Cafe. Taus died early Monday morning after a valiant struggle with cancer, as reported by Phoenix New Times. His journey since the diagnosis last summer was fraught with challenges after doctors discovered tumors in his brain and on his spine.
In August, a greatly inoperable spine tumor was revealed, and the community started banding together to support the chef through a GoFundMe. Tara Lanphear, a friend and longtime employee, spearheaded the fundraiser to manage the escalating medical and now, funeral expenses. "Sadly our beloved Romeo passed away early this morning."Please be patient with all of us as we mourn the loss of a great leader, friend, husband, son, father figure and mentor. His legacy will continue to live on thru Romeo's Euro Cafe and each one of us who's lives he touched." Lanphear shared an update to the GoFundMe page.
Before settling in Gilbert, Taus led a spirited life, journeying from Romania to the U.S. in 1973. He embraced an engineering career after studying at Wayne State University and working for Chrysler before his passion for culinary arts drew him into the restaurant business. According to a report from ABC15, Taus served the Valley in various dining establishments and eventually launched Romeo's Euro Cafe in 1991, which he expanded and then later downsized in 2004.
Gradually, Taus's stance softened, and the menu was streamlined to be more accommodating while still offering an extensive array of dishes. Thursdays at the cafe were special with Taus's Taste of Romeo's Cafe wine-pairing dinners. Even as Taus stepped back to address his health issues, the legacy of his work and the family atmosphere he fostered remained unchanged. "Everything’s going to stay the same," Lanphear told Phoenix New Times. “I’m going to jump in and run things and get Janice to focus on taking care of herself and taking care of Romeo. There’s just nothing I wouldn’t do for them. They’re family to me."
The community is now compiling a tribute to the chef, gathering photos and memories for his memorial service. "I cannot express how grateful I am to all of you for all of the love and support you have shown over the last 7 months," Lanphear added in a heartfelt note to supporters.
