Local businessman and philanthropist Russell Salvatore celebrated his 86th birthday at the Seneca Niagara Casino.

Hundreds turned out Sunday to wish him the best on his special day.

While Salvatore is best known for his steakhouse, many say it's his love for Buffalo that will be his legacy.

"Extraordinarily generous and kind and giving to those in need, those that are the most vulnerable in our community and quite frankly those who need a helping hand,” said state Senator Tim Kennedy. “He has epitomized what it means to be a good neighbor in the city of good neighbors."

Salvatore has been serving up steaks in Buffalo for decades.

He started working at his father's East Delavan Avenue restaurant in the 1930s.