Calamos Supports Greece
GreekReporter.comCanadaSt. Henri Restaurant still thriving after 90 years

St. Henri Restaurant still thriving after 90 years

John Restaurant has been a fixture in St. Henri since 1919. John Volikakis opened the establishment after immigrating to Montreal from Greece.
John Restaurant has been a fixture in St. Henri since 1919. John Volikakis opened the establishment after immigrating to Montreal from Greece.

Competition in the restaurant business can be cutthroat, but a family-owned St. Henri establishment has managed to survive for 90 years and is about to be handed over to the third generation.
Restaurant John on Notre Dame St. West was opened in 1919 by Greek immigrant John Volikakis.
“My dad was working 17 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week,” said son Tony Volikakis, who took over the restaurant in 1963.
Volikakis says he’s deeply connected to the business and to the neighbourhood.
“I really like to work with people, so I mean I like the customers – the district – I was born here,” he said.
But despite his attachment to the restaurant, Volikakis and his wife, Murielle, feel the time has come for him to move on.
“Well after 46 years, I think I can start thinking about myself a bit and my wife,” he said.
Now that the New Year has come, Volikakis is passing the torch to his daughter Jo-Ann — who is eager take over.

Tony Volikakis, seen here with his wife Murielle, took over the restaurant from his father, John, in 1963
Tony Volikakis, seen here with his wife Murielle, took over the restaurant from his father, John, in 1963

“I’m very proud of it. I’m the third generation and I’m trying to get the next generation to work in the restaurant,” she said, referring to her two children, a niece and a nephew.
Patrons say they love the restaurant’s longstanding menu, which includes club sandwiches, spaghetti and pizza.
“They always get it right and the waitresses are really nice. It’s great,” said customer Curtis Barteau.
Jean-Daniel Lafleur grew up in the neighbourhood and said he’s been going to the restaurant since he was a child.
Now he brings his daughter Zoe, and calls it a family tradition.
Why the attachment?
“It’s cozy, simple, unpretentious.”
(source: ctv)

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!



Related Posts