Steve Douthit Inducted into Greater Olean Hospitality Hall of Fame
On the Side Sub Shop owner honored for more than five decades of hospitality, community service, and dedication to Olean
HOF Recipient - Steve Douthit with his individual award in front of the hospitality sculpture in Lincoln Park, Olean.OLEAN - The Greater Olean Hospitality Committee has announced Steve Douthit, longtime owner of On the Side Sub Shop, as the newest inductee into the Greater Olean Hospitality Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the region’s foodservice and hospitality industries. Douthit was honored during a special ceremony Thursday, August 27, at Lincoln Park in downtown Olean.
For more than 50 years, On the Side Sub Shop has been a fixture in downtown Olean, serving generations of customers and becoming a familiar part of the community. Douthit’s brothers, Ray and Dave, purchased the business in 1983 when it was located in the alley alongside the Beef ’n Barrel. Steve joined them at the restaurant’s current location in 1989 and eventually became its sole owner.
While On the Side has long been known for its consistent food and friendly service, Douthit himself became particularly well known for his pepper relish and famous steak subs. Over the years, On the Side expanded beyond Olean with locations at one time in Portville, St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, North Carolina. But no matter where the businesses were located, Olean remained home—and giving back to the community that supported his family remained important to him.
Along with his wife, April, Douthit raised their three children, Katie, Mandi, and Derek, in the community while building a successful family business. He has coached youth sports, supported benefits for local families, sponsored numerous youth teams and activities, and contributed to organizations and causes throughout the area.
His impact can also be seen in the loyalty of the employees who have worked alongside him, including some who have been part of the On the Side family for 30 years or more.
“Steve represents exactly what the Hospitality Hall of Fame was created to recognize,” said Joe Marra, Greater Olean Hospitality committee member. “He built a business people have known and loved for decades, but his impact goes far beyond the food. Steve has supported local families, youth sports, and community causes, and he has created a workplace where people have stayed for decades. He has always understood that being a good business owner also means being a good neighbor.”
Unveiled in October 2023, the Greater Olean Hospitality Sculpture serves as the permanent home of the Greater Olean Hospitality Hall of Fame, displaying the names of its inductees and recognizing the individuals and businesses whose innovation, dedication and commitment have helped shape the region’s foodservice and hospitality community. Douthit’s name will now join those of past inductees on the sculpture.
Past Hospitality Hall of Fame Inductees: The Greater Olean Hospitality Hall of Fame has honored numerous individuals and businesses that have contributed significantly to the region’s foodservice and hospitality industries. Past inductees include: Guerino “Butch” Butchello, Chef Anthony Lentola, Chef Pasquale “Patsy” Piccioli, John Sawaya Sr., Carl Iseman, Louis and Nancy Giannechini, Lucia “Lou” Bardenett, William “Bill” Augostini, Quinto and Dora Bagazzoli, Nicholas “Nick” Fratarcangelo, Louis Marra, Daniel Fessenden, Robert Styles, Tony Bassano, Jim McAfee, Neil and Denis Goodemote, Paul and Mary Psathas, Anthony Zampogna, James Pappas, Lou Russo, Nick Livoto, Steve Hollowell, Jackie Attard, John Malara, Richard Marcus, Louis V. “Little Louie” Marra, Eugene Stopha, Jack Coffey, Louis Frungillo Sr., Richard “Richie” Piccioli, MarLayne Robinson, John M. “Mac” Sue, Tom Weatherell, Joseph Marra, John and Karol Long, Anthony Fratercangelo, James “Jim” Hastas, Mike and PJ McAfee, Anthony Procacci, Paul and Lisa Marra, Ola May Gayton, Alfred LaFredo Sr., Sparky Granger, Randy Korkowicz, D.J. Butchello, John Cappelleti, Larry Chiarenza, Paul Green, Louis Frungillo Jr., Doris Mae Williams, Peter Miller, Teddy Welch, Carmen Leroy, Carmella Jadlowski, Daniel Butchello Sr. and Gerald Butchello. In 2025, Randy and Toni Sprague and, posthumously, Hoppy and Jan Caya were inducted.
Five tickets remain for the Professional Chef’s Day event Sunday, September 13, at Napoli Pizza in Olean. For more information about the Hospitality Awards, how to donate, or to contact the event organizers, call the Marras at 716-244-1371 or email sjmarra@gmail.com.