Nick Petros, founder of Nick’s Steakhouse and Pizza, mourned by family | CBC News
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Nick Petros, the founder of popular local eatery, Nick’s Steakhouse and Pizza in northwest Calgary, died Sunday at the age of 87.
“With heavy hearts, we wish to announce the passing of our patriarch, Nick Petros. Our family appreciates your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” said the Petros family in a Facebook post.
“Eat a delicious meal, have a glass of fine red wine, and toast to the one and only, Nick Petros.”
Born on October 2, 1935, Petros was raised in Kardiakafti, Greece until the age of 17 when he decided to move to Canada in the hopes of building a better life for his family.
Even though he barely knew any English and had little money, Petros remained unfazed in the face of hardship and took on several odd jobs before embarking on a successful journey in the restaurant industry.
He worked in restaurants for a long time and took on multiple roles as a dishwasher, waiter and manager before starting his eatery, Nick’s Steakhouse and Pizza in 1979.
He was accompanied by his wife, Joan who worked with him to ensure that the eatery became a well-established name in the local food industry.
An optimistic outlook
According to his son, Mark, the restaurateur was always “ultra-positive” and confident.
“He was one of the kind,” he said. “Dad came over and he, you know, started with nothing and just built a great legacy at which me and my children and my wife, we carry on to this day.”
Petros was proud of his family’s traditions and took inspiration from his mom’s homemade dishes while crafting recipes for the steakhouse.
Even after he stepped back from the business after several years of hard work, Nick remained heavily involved in its operations and was often spotted chatting with customers.
‘Zero regrets’
His son believes that his father remained true to his personality until the very end.
“My dad was always, like I said, upbeat, positive,” Mark said.
“Near the end, he said, ‘I’ve led a great life. I have zero regrets.'”
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