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Owner of famed Cardinal's Remember When Lounge dies

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The former Cardinal's Restaurant and Remember When Lounge; inset Wayne Cardinal, died over the weekend. (Courtesy photos/Pal Cardinal)

A music legend, iconic Rochester restaurateur and lover of classic cars and classic oldies has passed.

Wayne Cardinal, who brought to Rochester one of its best-known music venues for classic oldies groups, died on Saturday after a prolonged illness, according to his wife, Pal. He was 67.

Cardinal owned and operated Cardinal's Restaurant and the Remember When Lounge for several decades until it burned to the ground in the mid-'90s. It was located adjacent the current site of Granite Steak and Grill on Route 11.

He owned the business with his brother, Rene, and the two brought many classic oldies groups to their lounge to perform in its 1950s-inspired décor.

Gary James, who runs Rochester's WMEX radio station and is a longtime musician and radio DJ, remembered Cardinal as one of the "friendliest, nicest guys I ever met."

Cardinal liked nothing more than dining out at different restaurants, and James said, "I was his dining partner. We spent many enjoyable hours eating out. I loved his company."

James said they both also shared common experiences as musicians in rock 'n' roll bands.

The Remember When Lounge presented many classic oldies artists there over the years including Chubby Checker, The Coasters, The Platters and Del Shannon.

Cardinal, who owned several restaurants throughout the Greater Rochester area, was also well known for his sense of humor.

"I had an incident where my car was stolen at a wedding," James said today. "I got the car back a few days later and Wayne said, 'Didn't you have enough gas in the car for the guy?' It became a standing joke."

James said Wayne Cardinal loved the Beatles, especially Paul McCartney, and was a talented guitarist.

Rochester Voice music correspondent CC Bissett contributed to this report.

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