Hanan Samuel grew up close to the tourist frenzy in Niagara Falls, watching the flood of visitors from across the globe as he completed his education at Niagara Catholic High School, then Niagara University.

Comfort with and an understanding of his surroundings prompted Samuel to open his first restaurant, Catania, on Feb. 12 in the Wingate by Wyndham hotel at 333 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, a block south of the Seneca Niagara Casino. The upscale restaurant seats 110, with a patio for warmer weather.