Long-time TJ’s Pizza owner and community benefactor Lou Chantigny was recently named this year’s recipient of the prestigious A. William Kany Jr. Leadership Award for his many contributions over the years to the success of the Biddeford and Saco region. The award was presented by selection committee leads David Flood and Bill Kany during the Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting, held virtually on Jan. 21.

The Kany Leadership Award is given annually to a local leader who has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Biddeford & Saco region over many years. It is a collaborative effort spearheaded by three local civic and community organizations: Heart of Biddeford, Saco Main Street, and the Chamber.

Born and raised in Biddeford, Chantigny served in the military and then returned home to open TJ’s Pizza in Biddeford in 1982. His creativity over the years spurred ongoing success at his restaurant, including such innovations as a soda fountain featuring a working jukebox, an antique gas pump, and weekly “Cruise Nights” that featured classic cars. His popular pizza option of “Tiger Pride Pie” helped raise funds for Biddeford High School for many years. TJ’s was also the first restaurant to offer home delivery in the Biddeford-Saco area. The Chantigny family sold the business in 2017.

Chantigny was specifically cited for his many outstanding contributions on behalf of the community. He hosted and gave to many fundraisers in support of the St. James school, the high school Band Boosters, Pee Wee Football, and girls’ softball. He led an annual golf tournament each year in support of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, raising over $250,000 over the years. Chantigny was also honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the most distinguished awards that Rotary International bestows on individuals. He was named Businessperson of the Year in 1999 and is a past recipient of the Mayor’s Volunteer of the Year award as well.

During the awards ceremony, Chantigny emphasized that the business and its support of the community has always been a family affair, crediting his wife Denise and children Tina and Jason. He was quoted as saying, “We’ve always had a strong sense of obligation to the community, making us happy and proud to support organizations in our area.” Chantigny joins an illustrious list of past winners of this annual award: Roland Eon, Carrie Shaw, Wayne Sherman, Bryce Milne, David Flood, Bill Johnson, John Andrews, Dean Wolfahrt, Leo Menard, Tammy Ackerman, Renee O’Neil and most recently Monsignor Rene Mathieu.

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