New Pizzeria Opens in North Adams

By Justin SaldoiBerkshires Intern
Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS — A couple is hoping to duplicate their South County success with the opening of Christo's Famous Pizza today at 20 Holden St.

The proprietors of the eatery, Christo, 64, and Athina, 65, Grigoropoulos of Lenox, have more than 40 years experience in the pizza business, with several restaurants in South Berkshire, including Athena's Pizza in Lenox.

Pizza is a competitive industry in this area, with four other pizzerias and another soon to be opened within walking distance of the newest establishment, but the Grigoropouloses are not worried.

"We have been doing this successfully in the Berkshires for a long time," said Christo Grigoropoulos. "What people in the area want is good food at a good price and that's what we have always offered."

"We are a more traditional establishment that offers more than just pizza," he continued.

Christo's is also Greek restaurant that serves everything from calzones and grinders to more traditional fare like pasta and salad. It also offers gourmet pizza with toppings such as kalamata olives, pesto, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and feta and ricotta cheese. In addition to the usual assortment of salads, sandwiches and wraps, the eatery offers dinners including New York sirloin strip, prime rib and house specialities.
Christo and Athina Grigoropoulos have opened a pizza and Greek restaurant on Holden Street.

Formerly the North Adams Pizza Co., the Grigoropouloses purchased the business three months ago from owner Christopher Tremblay and have been doing renovations and redecorating. The site had also been the home of Hickory Bill's Barbecue.

"You got to go by the books and take no shortcuts to succeed," said Grigoropoulos.

The restaurant is fully staffed; the Grigoropouloses searched through more than 200 resumes for suitable employees. It offers eat-in and takeout service.

"I like when kids are looking for work," Grigoropoulos. "It says good things about an area when young people are motivated."

He said the staff has trained for the last three weeks to ensure they will be ready for the workload and are now ready to serve the public.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 to 10, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 to midnight and Sunday from 10:30 to 10. For more information or to place an order, call 413-662-3500.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Veteran Spotlight: Army Reserve Sgt. Bill 'Spaceman' Lee

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
FALMOUTH, Mass. — Bill Lee served his country in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976 during the Vietnam War. 
 
The "Spaceman" is the last Boston Red Sox player to miss time for active duty. 
 
William Francis Lee III, grew up in Burbank, Calif., and was born into a history of former semipro and professional baseball players. His grandfather William was an infielder in the Pacific Coast League and his aunt Annabelle Lee was an All-American Girls Professional Baseball player. 
 
"She taught me how to pitch," he said.
 
His father, also William, served in the Army as a sergeant during World War II and saw major action at the Battle of Okinawa as a radio communications soldier.
 
"My dad was tough, old school. My first big endorsement when I was playing was with a Honda dealership in Boston," Lee said. "I went to see my dad to get his thoughts and he says, 'If you come back with a rice-burning car, I'll run you through with the bayonet I took off a dead soldier.'"
 
Lee attended the University of Southern California and was part of the 1968 Trojan team that won the College World Series. He was drafted in the 22nd round by the Red Sox in the '68 draft. 
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories