By Mary Spring
The Family Place Restaurant and Pizza held a community luncheon on Monday, October 2, 2023, to thank the community for its support and to celebrate the restaurant’s 50th anniversary.
This month I sat down with Dino and Bessie Georgas to get some information about the history of the Family Place. When I help out at the Family Place I often have customers who ask about the history and they remember Dinoe and Bessie from years past.
Here is what I learned
In the early 1970s, a young couple of Greek heritage from the Montreal area opened Huntsville’s first pizza restaurant in Brendale Square. It was called Family Restaurant and Pizza.
One year later they sold the business to the Koutoumanos family. They ran the restaurant from 1973-1976.
In 1976, Angie and Peter Perentesis purchased the restaurant. We all remember their beautiful daughter Christina who worked for many years at Family Place.
In February 1982 Bessie and Dino purchased the restaurant in the Brendale Square. They changed the menu and they learned to make pizza.
Dino and Bessie added on to the restaurant in Brendal Square. Soon afterward, their lease ran out because Fresco was coming to the area.
In 2007, Dino and Bessie moved to this location on King William Street. Their neighbour was The Water Depot. Their hours of operation were 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They were very busy. There was always a line up and the kitchen was small. The other restaurant in town that was similar to Family Place was Louis II.
In September 2017, with the blessings and help of Dino and Bessie, the restaurant was purchased by Jenny Spring and Oliver Wolfe.
From left, Jenny Spring, Bessie and Dino Georgas, and Oliver Wolfe.
Six years, a wedding, three children, and a global pandemic later, thanks to continued support from family, wonderful customers, dedicated staff, and the Huntsville community at large, the Family Place continues to serve.
Thank you for celebrating with us today. We appreciate your support.
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Sandy McLennan says
Bravo, all! Am glad for the long continuation (and long working hours) of the business and that there is this type of restaurant in town. And the good food! I know my son always wants a meal at Family Place whenever he comes to town. Carry on great.