For over 35 years, as owners of Family Place Restaurant, Dino and Bessie Georgas have been providing great food and kind hospitality to their patrons. Having recently retired, it was finally their turn to sit back and enjoy the accolades of their hard work.
On Monday, family and friends gathered in the restaurant to throw a surprise retirement party for them. It is hard to imagine keeping a surprise from Bessie, who is an avid reader and Facebook user, but somehow her children, Kirani and Chris, were successful in getting their parents to the restaurant where life-long friends, customers, family and employees where ready to greet them. Judging by the tears of joy in Bessie’s eyes and the smile on Dino’s face, they were indeed surprised.
When Dino and Bessie announced their retirement last fall they said they were very pleased to be passing the reins to a younger generation with whom they had a personal connection. It was evident at the retirement party that the admiration goes both ways.
“I have known Dino and Bessie my entire life,” said Jenny Spring, co-owner with Oliver Wolfe of Family Place Restaurant, in her congratulatory speech. “I would see Dino driving to work at four in the morning. I would be coming home from parties and Dino would be going to work,” Jenny said to laughter. “Dino and Bessie have always been a part of my family. I was really lucky to grow up in a neighbourhood with a community of parents and Dino and Bessie were there.”
They have always been so generous. We are very lucky to have had them as business partners helping us along on this journey. We could not have asked for a better relationship. The transition has been so smooth and they are so supportive and so helpful; we are very grateful. Thank you everyone for coming. I think everyone shares the same love that I have for them and everything that they do in the community. Jenny Spring, co-owner of Family Place Restaurant
Obviously moved by the kind words, the restaurant filled with smiling faces, and the wonder of what lies ahead for them, Bessie spoke. “Thank you all for coming; not just for today but thank you for all the years for being not only loyal customers but loyal friends too. It’s not that we are going to miss you; we miss you already,” she said choking back tears. “I think Dino is adjusting to retirement better than me. He goes out for coffee every morning, goes for beer at night. I stay home cleaning and doing the dishes and I don’t think I like it very much!” Bessie said to laughter.
Although Bessie joked about staying home to clean she also admitted that she and Dino have been sleeping in, have been on a holiday with each other — the first in many, many years —and that they are both looking at taking up new hobbies and spending more time with family and friends.
Nobody would deny that they deserve all of that and more! Happy retirement, Dino and Bessie.
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- Jenny Spring and Oliver Wolfe thank Dino and Bessie for all their support and guidance during the transition.
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- Chris and Kirani Georgas listen intently as their parents are honoured.
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- Pictures taken on a recent ‘congratulations to us trip.’ The first trip Dino and Bessie have taken together in many years.
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- Jenny gives hugs to Bessie and Dino.
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- Dino has some competition in the buffet department.
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- Bessie has some competition on the dessert front.
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- Happy in retirement. Congratulations!
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It is important that we also recognize the wonderful staff members at the Family Place. The restaurant feels like “home” because of the courteous and hard working staff members that have worked together for so many years. Their faces are familiar. They have come to know their customers over the years. They work as a team to make the Family Place a nice place to share a meal. Thank you for your hard work.
Wonderful to read of your retirement party Bessie and Dino. You truly are a very special couple – Jenny and Oliver have big shoes to fill, but from what I have read, sounds like they are capable of doing so. Like so many of your loyal customers, I consider you friends. Now you will be able to holiday together in Greece. ENJOY!
Love, blessings and very best wishes, Betty.
So proud to call all 4 of these wonderful people – friends. Family Place is truly about family – Dino and Bessie began this wonderful legacy and Jenny and Oliver will carry it on. We are so fortunate to have these wonderful people in our community.
Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy yourselves. Thank you for the memories.
Happy Retirement Dino and Bessie
Thank you for our many enjoyable dinners. Always felt like we were surrounded by friends.
We will miss you.
Much love and congratulations to you both Dino and Bessie. Your hard work, dedication and love of community is greatly appreciated. That was certainly evident at your surprise party. So many wanted to be there, to wish you all the best…. Now is your time to enjoy yourselves….I think Jennie and Oliver are going to shine…..
Dan & Wendy McConnell