Gus and George Papadakos, the father-and-son duo running Corey’s Restaurant for many years, shared earlier this month that they’ve sold the restaurant and it will be closing.
The reaction from the community has been incredibly positive, with many longtime customers expressing their gratitude and well wishes since the news broke.
“It’s been amazing,” George Papadakos said. “I think a lot of people feel it was COVID-driven. Obviously that’s why we’ve been closed – because of COVID – but not why we sold. We were already in the process of selling.
With Gus deciding to retire, they made the choice to look for a buyer.
“They already knew a year ago I was trying to retire,” said Gus Papadakos, 68, who began working at Corey’s in 1983 and was offered to buy it within two years.
“The only thing I regret right now… is because of the COVID virus, you couldn’t say a proper goodbye to your customers. You want to shake their hands, give them a hug. We were really thankful to the people of Tillsonburg, people who supported us all those years. What can I say, it’s overwhelming.”
George Papadakos, 46, started full-time at Corey’s in 2000.
“It would have been 20 years this fall. … There are always ups and downs, but at the same time, 20 years flew by.”
Both noted that strong support from loyal customers over time contributed significantly to the restaurant’s success.
“We always had a lot of great customers,” George Papadakos said. “We had a good clientele base and good friends that supported us over the years.
“It will be remembered for what it was – a good family restaurant in town.”
The new owners haven’t been revealed yet.
“They didn’t really divulge and they don’t want to say,” said George Papadakos, “and we’re honouring their clauses.”
While his father is stepping away from work, George Papadakos plans to pursue different ventures.
“I’m not in limbo,” George Papadakos said. “We’ve made sound investments over the years, so getting into the ‘9-to-5 job’ isn’t something I need to do. I am a triathlon and run coach as well as a beach-body coach. That’s something my wife and I have been doing during COVID and it’s been rather successful.”
The family business also contributed back to the community throughout its history.
“I’ve been truly blessed to be in this restaurant business,” George Papadakos said. “It was successful; I got to work with my parents and my brother; you know what they say: if you can work with your parents you can work with anybody.”
“We loved supporting our community. I don’t think there was ever a time when we didn’t sponsor a team or if somebody came in for a buck and doe; we’d always give something. We always enjoyed rallying around our community because our community was so amazing supporting us.”
cabbott
Source link
