Our Story
know
An this is how it all begin . . .
In 1927, in the town of Harokopio, Messinia, Greece [Χαροκόπειο, Μεσσηνία] which is located in the Peloponese Peninsula in South Greece; Peter Vourakes was born. On January 27, 1957 he married Margarita Samaras (Rita).
After the compulsory military service, Peter worked in sanatorium, restaurant and hotel in the city of Athens. He was then offered a position to work as a chef on a cargo ship. Peter travelled the world for two years visiting countries such as the United States, Cuba, Russia, Germany, Holland, Great Brittan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). He then had an opportunity to come to Canada.
In the spring of 1959 Peter Vourakes arrived in Leamington, Ontario. He worked in many tomato fields during the day and at Diana’s Restaurant, as a cook, at night.
One year after he arrived to Canada, he opened up the 14 stool Mill Bar in 1960, where he and his wife worked tirelessly to build a business. He served his popular pizza, foot long hot dogs and hamburgers. During the 1960’s, many Greeks immigrated to the Windsor and Essex County area and several stayed at his home and even worked at the restaurant (some to pay off the loan my dad agreed to which was used to finance their boat tickets to come to Canada).
On April 11, 1969 Peter decided to expand the business, with the help of his four children, Michael, Taki, Kelly, and Athena. And that's when The Tropicana Restaurant was established.
The values that were taught were...."Work Hard, Be Honest and Treat Everyone As You Would Like To Be Treated!" And that they did!... 7 days a week, 364 days a year. Having one day off a year...which was Christmas!
The Vourakes family gave a lot back to the community, whether it was a famished young kid coming in for a glass of water, but got a hamburger and fries, because he was hungry or a mother with two children passing through and only having enough money to feed one person.
In 1987, Peter expanded to his second restaurant and opened Tropsy’s in downtown Leamington. Ahead of its time, it was fresh fast food that was served with a modern twist!
In 1988, Peter decided to purchase The Leamington Dock Restaurant. He converted the north end area into a Banquet Hall. A lot of people celebrated there! This only added to the story list. With 600 seats, it was the largest restaurant in the area!
Peter came to Canada with an ambition and vision for his family, and like other that achieve success, he worked hard to raised and provide for his family, and continued working until his late 70’s.
Fast forward to today . . . We want to keep Peter's memory and hard work alive by sharing his traditions, values and culture within each and every bottle of olive oil we share with each one of you.
Each bottle purchased, represents a part of the Vourakes family and it's traditions.
In Memory of Peter Vourakes
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