Senate Resolution No. 662

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Symeon's
Greek Restaurant of Yorkville, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
illustrious culinary establishments which have positively impacted and
substantially contributed to the vitality of their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Symeon's Greek Restaurant of
Yorkville, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Mohawk Valley got its first taste of authentic Greek
cuisine on October 12, 1973, when the doors to Symeon's Greek Restaurant
were opened; and

WHEREAS, Symeon Tsoupelis and his wife, Ann, were the very first to
establish a restaurant on Oneida Street in the City of Utica, New York;
during its humble beginnings, the building could only seat 20 guests,
and while Symeon operated the restaurant, Ann was busy at home crafting
all the desserts and being a full-time mother to two young children; and

WHEREAS, After three prosperous years in Utica, Symeon's Greek
Restaurant relocated to Genesee Street in New Hartford, where the dining
area could accommodate twice as many diners; for another six years, the
restaurant was wildly successful and Symeon and Ann Tsoupelis knew the
time had come for yet an even bigger building and a more prime location;
and

WHEREAS, In 1982, Symeon and Ann Tsoupelis purchased their current
Commercial Drive property in Yorkville, New York; and

WHEREAS, With much hard work dedicated to treating guests as family
and consistently serving delicious Greek cuisine, Symeon's Greek
Restaurant continued to grow far beyond what its owners had ever
imagined; and

WHEREAS, After only a few years at the new location, the first
addition, another large dining room, was added to nearly double the
seating capacity; three years later, the second addition expanded the
dining area even more and grew the size of the kitchen; and

WHEREAS, Symeon's Greek Restaurant continued to flourish, and the
final addition, a dining room in the front and a lobby where guests
could comfortably wait for their tables, was added in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Overcoming much adversity, including the death of Ann
Tsoupelis in 2001, and a devastating fire the following winter, Symeon's
Greek Restaurant continues to be a local favorite and true staple within
its beloved community; and

WHEREAS, A cornerstone of Symeon's Greek Restaurant is the love for
family, and in 2001, Symeon sold the business to his youngest son,

Symeon Jr. and his wife, Shelli, who now continue to carry the success
of the business; and

WHEREAS, The legacy created by Symeon and Ann Tsoupelis is being
carefully preserved by Symeon Jr., as he and his wife work side-by-side,
along with their daughter, Sophia; their son, Symeon III is coming of
age and will soon become a part of the business; and

WHEREAS, In addition to furthering the success of this extraordinary
Greek establishment, Symeon Jr. has also dedicated himself to honoring
the memories of his mother and sister through involvement in
organizations which support cancer research, awareness, and education;
and

WHEREAS, The remarkable success of Symeon's Greek Restaurant is due
in large part to its owners and dedicated staff whose warmth and
hospitality are easily recognized by their loyal patrons; this dynamic
team is well-versed in customer service and truly makes everyone who
walks through their door feel like family; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, Symeon's Greek Restaurant has stood as a
beloved establishment which has provided a friendly, open environment
for patrons to collectively gather and share their thoughts, ideas and
life experiences; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Symeon's Greek Restaurant, and to
offer its best wishes to its owners for continued success in all their
future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Symeon's Greek Restaurant, Yorkville, New York.