Two Connecticut restaurants soon to be inducted into the state’s Hospitality Hall of Fame couldn’t be more far apart in cuisine and ambiance.
But each is widely known throughout the state, both give generously to the community, and also treasure their customers like family.
At Spartan Restaurant & Bar in Waterbury, one of the state’s honorees, things get so personal that regulars with custom orders have their own buttons on the cash register: Dean’s sirloin and Kenny’s salad.
“The long hours, the love and the belief people treat you like family,” is the key to Spartan’s success, said owner Vasilios “Vasi” Kaloidis, whose late father founded the iconic restaurant in 1977.
They specialize in Greek pan pizza, Italian dishes and pub food.
“We make it with love,” Kaloidis said.
The other honoree, Willimantic Brewing Company, affectionately nicknamed “WilliBrew” serves craft beer and offers among other dishes, various cuisine made with beer: butter, bread, chicken, beef and other specialties. The even serve onion ale soup.
They opened in 1997 when a business serving brew and food together was rare.
The brew pub is set in a historic former U.S. Post Office with 21-foot high ceilings, marble and terrazzo floors, and columns to maneuver arounds.
Owner David Wollner, who sells his own brew along with that of other area breweries, said Willibrew is a popular place for first dates. Many have returned after marriage, he said.
“When you’re around for 30 years you leave quite a mark in Willimantic,” he said. “The lives you touch is what actually has the most meaning.”
Connecticut Restaurant Association CEO and President Scott Dolch said to qualify for the award a restaurant must have been in business for a minimum of 25 years, be widely known as an “institution” throughout Connecticut and display a reputation of giving back to the community and supporting the industry.
They also must have high standards of hospitality and service, he said. The honor will be bestowed at the association’s CRAZIES awards this month.
Dolch said few restaurants have left an impression on their city the way Spartan Restaurant and Bar has in Waterbury.
“Their legacy of hospitality, their impact on local families, and their steadfast presence in our industry set a standard for excellence. For nearly 50 years, they have been committed to making a significant impact on their community,” he said.
Of Willimantic Brewing Company, Dolch said, few establishments have become “as deeply woven into their community.”
“Their dedication to local partnerships, their support of the Willimantic community, and their passion for elevating Connecticut craft beer make them a true Hall of Fame–worthy institution.”
Kaloidis of Spartan Restaurant & Bar, said his mom, Demetra “Toula” Kaloidis, 70, comes in to hostess three days a week, “which means she comes in to say hi to her friends,” the son said, chuckling. She sits at various tables along the way to chat.
“The running joke with mom is it’s a social gathering,” her son said.
Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski said Spartan is “more than a restaurant,” and deserving of the honor.
“It is a place that feels like home for so many of us in Waterbury, myself included. The Connecticut Restaurant Association’s recognition is well deserved and a true tribute to the Kaloidis family, whose hard work and dedication have made Spartan a beloved part of our community,” he said. “Their commitment to great food and genuine hospitality has helped shape the character of our city, and we are grateful for all they do.”
Kaloidis said his father, Athan Kaloidis, who died in 2008, was a trailblazer here in Greek pan pizza. He said everybody eats at Spartans: teachers, police, politicians, lawyers.
He said it’s a place where kids and families come in after sports and other activities. He’s seen generations dining there, He said staff is like family too, many having been there for decades. He grew up in the business and has done every job, starting as a dishwasher.
Kaloidis said when he graduated from college he opened his own restaurant nearby, but went back to the family’s restaurant during the pandemic.
He said the longtime chef and guys working in the kitchen are more like his “brothers.”
“If you treat the employees well they’re going to stay if you treat them like family.” Kaloidis said.
Kaloidis, who said he loves to see people smile while they’re having a cocktail and dinner with their family said he believes the award is one of the best awards one can get as a restauranteur.
“My parents came here from another country, built a business. It’s a real tribute to their sacrifice and legacy, ” he said.
At Willibrew some popular menu items from the scratch kitchen include soups, crab cakes and nachos with layers of cheese, jalapenos and house made salsa. Overall, it’s American cuisine, he said.
“It’s reasonable,” Wollner said of a night out at his place. “You’ll get full , have a nice meal and you’re in a beautiful building.”
He said they are the second oldest continually operated brew pub in Connecticut.
He’s been home brewing since 1980. He has 40 tap lines with their brews and others’ brews, as well as cider on tap.
“We try to have something for everybody, ” Wollner said.
Wollner and a former wife previously owned two restaurants on the street has had Willimantic Brewing Co. for about 30 years and said, “I’m still having fun.”
“When you’re around for 30 years you leave quite a mark in Willimantic,” he said. “The lives you touch is what actually has the most meaning. ”
They do a lot for the community in the quaint mill town and it’s all part of it, Wollner said.
“We are a unique and wonderful town it’s always important to give back.” Wollner said.” “We don’t do what we do to get awards. I’m grateful to this community.”
He said the historic post office building where they are located was built in 1909 and closed for business in 1967.
Remodeling with all that concrete, “did not come easy,” he said.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve done as a business,” he said, noting he’s proud they are often talked about favorably at breweries here and outside of Connecticut.