14
Most Greek restaurants were family businesses. The first Greek-owned restaurant in Saskatoon was the Patricia, opened in 1920 by Basil Barootes, who was later joined in the business by his three brothers.15
Left to right: Girgulis, Jim, Sam and Bill.1967
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
16
Girgulis, Bill.1926
Elite Café, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
17
Several families opened restaurants on 2nd avenue. Bill and Jim Girgulis, along with other partners, opened the Elite café. When the other partners dropped out, Bill and Jim, together with their brother Sammy, became controlling partners in the restaurant.18
The Management and staff of the Elite Café c. 1925 after WWI.1925
Elite Café, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
19
After the outbreak of the Balkan war in 1912 and in 1919 of WWI, many young men left Saskatoon to enlist. Among these was the staff of the Elite.20
The Royal Confectionary was opened by Golf, William A., in 1917 on 20th Street E.12 October 1912
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
21
The entire staff of the Royal Confectionary, with the exception of owner William Golf, left with the first group of men to the Balkans. Mr. Golf went 6 weeks later, once he found someone to manage his restaurant. Although Saskatoon lost many of its original Greek community to these wars, it also experienced an influx of new Greek immigrants. Scores of displaced families in Greece and Asia Minor emigrated to Canada after the wars as refugees and some settled in Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon.22
Karabelis, George and Magdalene in front of the Commerical Café in 1929.1929
20th St., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
23
Many new Greek enterprises sprang up in Saskatoon. The Commercial Café was opened on 20th Street by George Karabelis and George Chitsas.24
Leakos, Steve, operated the Commodore Café first on 21st Street, later moving it to 2nd Avenue.1941
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
25
Established local Greek restaurant owners were not concerned with competition from other Greek immigrants entering into the restaurant business. Their spirit of support and cooperation, arising from the close ties which existed within the Greek community, encouraged fellow Greeks to start new restaurants.26
Chrones, James, operated the Gem Café on 2nd Avenue South in the 1930's.1930
2nd Ave. South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
27
Through their businesses, Greeks gained a reputation for being hard-working, hospitable members of the community. Their restaurants became social gathering spots for all Saskatoon citizens. |
 |
 |
 |