Andrea Barclay and Friends of Tippy Cook

Carbondale icon and restaurateur William Orlando Cook, better known throughout the region as “Tippy” passed away on January 11th, 2023.

Tippy was a Carbondale icon and friend to students. “He was as iconic as Carbondale,” said Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director William Lo, also a restaurateur in the community. “He was an institution in his restaurant and several others, always dropping sage words of wisdom.” Cook often found ways to help other restaurant owners and business leaders, introducing individuals to one another and to opportunities, Lo said.

A former football student-athlete for the Salukis from 1973-1976, he then worked at SIU in event services before his partnership with Global Gourmet.

Friends of Tippy and the SIU Foundation have established this scholarship fund in his name that will support SIU students.