Family Restaurant: Former mobster asks public to help fund expansion of eatery

(CBS) PHILADELPHIA - Angelo Lutz is a convicted felon who says it's been tough to shake his past, and especially tough to get a bank loan to help expand his restaurant, "Kitchen Consigliere Café."

So, who can blame the former South Philly mobster for trying to crowd-fund the venture online?

Lutz told CBS Philly, "I can have the most profitable business in the world but because I'm a fellon, a lot of banks won't lend me commercial money and on top of that, no bank will do an sba loan with me."

The station reports Lutz isn't shy about discussing his conviction.

"I was indicted in the year 2000 with Joe Merlino and some other people. Most of my charges stem predominantly from gambling and racketeering. I went to trial in 2001. A jury of my peers found me guilty."

Lutz says some customers are drawn to his restaurant in Collingswood, N.J. because of his mob ties. He's asking the public to crowdfund his venture through Indogogo, and insists it's not just a donation:

"You know, we're not asking for nothing for nothing. We're giving back all those perks -- dinner for 4 or an appetizer, desserts, Sunday gravy family style. Spaghetti and meatball dinners."

Sounds like if the expansion goes ahead, the place could be mobbed.