A beloved Bronx chef passed away from COVID-19 earlier this year, but his memory is being kept alive in a unique way at his favorite performing arts venue in the Bronx.

Joe Torres, chef of Joe's Place in Soundview, died in April.

Torres loved seeing performances at the Lehman Center.

"He would always do all our catering for the artists at no charge. He bought loads of tickets and he would give them to the community," says Janet Sanchez, assistant director at the Lehman Center. "If he wasn't there, people would actually look for him and say, 'where is Joe Torres?'"

After parties were always at Joe's Place for free as well.

Torres had a favorite seat at the venue, and the Lehman Center is holding a seat drive, selling seats in his honor, with the option to leave a commemorative message on a plaque.

Many chairs have already been bought, so even in his death he is still helping them.