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["King Tut Drive-In is a classic drive-in in Beckley, in operation since the 1940s and now owned by Dave McKay. For more, see our interviews with Dave McKay, and King Tut manager Diana Hamilton. Also see the King Tut website: http://kingtutdrivein.com/This is part of a collection of materials documenting West Virginia hot dogs and hot dog joints. For more, see the West Virginia hot dog blog: http://wvhotdogblog.blogspot.com/ and Emily Hilliard's piece, \"Slaw Abiding Citizens: A Quest for the West Virginia Hot Dog\" published in the Southern Foodways Alliance's journal Gravy. https://www.southernfoodways.org/slaw-abiding-citizens-a-quest-for-the-west-virginia-hot-dog/"]%

37. Pies and daily special menu board at King Tut Drive-In in Beckley

Identifier:
4224.HotDogTour.Photo.023.6.10.16
Title:
Pies and daily special menu board at King Tut Drive-In in Beckley
Date:
2016-06-10
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
foodways, Painted signs and signboards, Drive-in restaurants, Food habits, Pies, Restaurants--United States, Hot dog stands
Location:
Beckley (W. Va.)
["King Tut Drive-In is a classic drive-in in Beckley, in operation since the 1940s and now owned by Dave McKay. For more, see our interviews with Dave McKay, and King Tut manager Diana Hamilton. Also see the King Tut website: http://kingtutdrivein.com/This is part of a collection of materials documenting West Virginia hot dogs and hot dog joints. For more, see the West Virginia hot dog blog: http://wvhotdogblog.blogspot.com/ and Emily Hilliard's piece, \"Slaw Abiding Citizens: A Quest for the West Virginia Hot Dog\" published in the Southern Foodways Alliance's journal Gravy. https://www.southernfoodways.org/slaw-abiding-citizens-a-quest-for-the-west-virginia-hot-dog/"]%

38. Hot dog with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions from King Tut Drive-In in Beckley

Identifier:
4224.HotDogTour.Photo.024.6.10.16
Title:
Hot dog with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions from King Tut Drive-In in Beckley
Date:
2016-06-10
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Drive-in restaurants, Cooking (Frankfurters), Food habits, Hot dog stands, foodways, Restaurants--United States
Location:
Beckley (W. Va.)
["Tom's Carry Out has been in operation since 1961 and is located at 554 Jones Ave. in Oak Hill, WV.This is part of a collection of materials documenting West Virginia hot dogs and hot dog joints. For more, see the West Virginia hot dog blog: http://wvhotdogblog.blogspot.com/ and Emily Hilliard's piece, \"Slaw Abiding Citizens: A Quest for the West Virginia Hot Dog\" published in the Southern Foodways Alliance's journal Gravy. https://www.southernfoodways.org/slaw-abiding-citizens-a-quest-for-the-west-virginia-hot-dog/"]%

39. Tom's Carry Out bag advertising for a candidate for county commission

Identifier:
4224.HotDogTour.Photo.025.6.10.16
Title:
Tom's Carry Out bag advertising for a candidate for county commission
Date:
2016-06-10
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Restaurants--United States, Hot dog stands, Drive-in restaurants, Cooking (Frankfurters)
Location:
Oak Hill (Fayette County, W. Va.)
["These photos of Milton, West Virginia were taken on a tour lead by Milton native Rick Wilson, of sites in the life of and that inspired stories by hometown writer Breece DJ Pancake. State folklorist Emily Hilliard wrote about the experience for the Fall 2021 issue of Oxford American, adapted from a chapter in her forthcoming book to be published by the University of North Carolina Press. Read the essay here: https://www.oxfordamerican.org/magazine/issue-114-fall-2021/something-deeply-rooted"]%

40. East Tenampa, the location that inspired the cafe scene in Breece D'J Pancake's story "Trilobites," 1 of 2

Identifier:
4224.MiltonBreecePancakeTour.Photo.001.10.14.19
Title:
East Tenampa, the location that inspired the cafe scene in Breece D'J Pancake's story "Trilobites," 1 of 2
Date:
2019-10-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Pancake, Breece D'J, 1952-1979, Restaurants--United States, Milton (W. Va.)
Location:
Milton (W. Va.)
["These photos of Milton, West Virginia were taken on a tour lead by Milton native Rick Wilson, of sites in the life of and that inspired stories by hometown writer Breece DJ Pancake. State folklorist Emily Hilliard wrote about the experience for the Fall 2021 issue of Oxford American, adapted from a chapter in her forthcoming book to be published by the University of North Carolina Press. Read the essay here: https://www.oxfordamerican.org/magazine/issue-114-fall-2021/something-deeply-rooted"]%

41. East Tenampa, the location that inspired the cafe scene in Breece D'J Pancake's story "Trilobites," 2 of 2

Identifier:
4224.MiltonBreecePancakeTour.Photo.002.10.14.19
Title:
East Tenampa, the location that inspired the cafe scene in Breece D'J Pancake's story "Trilobites," 2 of 2
Date:
2019-10-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Pancake, Breece D'J, 1952-1979, Milton (W. Va.), Restaurants--United States
Location:
Milton (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

42. Greek icon hanging over the door of Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.001.4.14.16
Title:
Greek icon hanging over the door of Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Greek American women, Cooking, Greek, Restaurants--Design and construction, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, foodways, Orthodox Eastern Church, Food habits
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

43. Coal Camp Creations figurine and Cheez Doodles on the shelves at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.003.4.14.16
Title:
Coal Camp Creations figurine and Cheez Doodles on the shelves at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
foodways, Greek American women, Cooking, Greek, Restaurants--Design and construction, Coal miners in art, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, Food habits
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

44. Pictures and ephemera on the wall of Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.004.4.14.16
Title:
Pictures and ephemera on the wall of Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Restaurateurs, Food habits, Restaurants--Design and construction, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, Greek American women, foodways, Cooking, Greek
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

45. Decor at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.005.4.14.16
Title:
Decor at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball
Date:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.005.4.14.16
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Restaurants--Design and construction, Restaurants--United States, Food habits, Cooking, Greek, Greek American women, Greek American restaurateurs, foodways
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

46. Photos of generations of Genadopoulus boys in Greek sailor suits, hanging on the wall at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.006.4.14.16
Title:
Photos of generations of Genadopoulus boys in Greek sailor suits, hanging on the wall at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Restaurants--United States, Greek American restaurateurs, Greek Americans, Restaurants--Design and construction, Cooking, Greek
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

47. Yasou Greek Restaurant owner Markella Gianato standing outside her restaurant in Kimball, 1 of 2

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.007.4.14.16
Title:
Yasou Greek Restaurant owner Markella Gianato standing outside her restaurant in Kimball, 1 of 2
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
foodways, Restaurants--Design and construction, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurateurs, Food habits, Restaurants--United States, Greek American women, Cooking, Greek
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)
["Yasou Restaurant is a Greek restaurant and grocery in Kimball in McDowell County. The restaurant has been owned and operated since 2003 by Markella Gianato whose maternal grandfather John Genadopoulus and father Adamantios Tommy Balasis opened The West Virginia Grocery in the same location in 1947. Genadopolous bought the building from A.P. Wood, whose name still remains on the storefront. The Grocery shut down in 2001 after the July flood all but destroyed the building.Today the restaurant serves as a hub in the Kimball community. Menu offerings include gyros, Greek-style spaghetti and meatballs, spanakopita, Greek salad, pastitsio (a Greek pasta with meat and bchamel), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese).State folklorist Emily Hilliard interviewed Gianato about her family history, foodways, and the business on April 27, 2016, but the interview was lost when Folklife Program equipment was stolen. Gianatos Our History statement on the Yasou website:On February 7, 1947, the Greek-American families of John Genadopoulos and Adamantios Tommy Balasis and Mary Balasis purchased the A.P. Wood Grocery. Though the store was renamed the West Virginia Grocery, the name A.P. Wood remains etched in beautiful stained glass over the door at present day YaSou. From that time until the devasting flood of July 2001, the family kept the grocery in operation. Ten months later, a second major flood hit the town within days of the business being reopened. Despite this major setback, we were determined to move forward and reopen the business. Having my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and on February 7, 2003, with the help of my mother Mary Balasis, my brothers John and Mathew, my husband Jimmy Joe, my son Adam, my mother-in-law Mary Verduce Gianato and the Grace of God, that dream became a reality with the opening of YaSou Restaurant. I am immensely proud of the success that I have achieved. I offer home-cooked meals, daily specials, and Greek cuisine along with many sandwich choices. Most of the recipes I have used have been handed down to me from my mother and grandmother. My love for the restaurant business came from my first job at the Virginian Restaurant in Pearisburg, Virginia, working under the guiding hands of, in my opinion, two of the greatest chefs, uncles and mentors, Mike and George Genadopoulos. It was my days at the Virginian that made me realize I would someday like to become a great chef. I strive for this every day. This has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have stopped in along the way, as well as many local regulars who come in and make my day complete. We hope to serve you for many years to come. Everyone that comes here, even for one time, becomes a part of the labyrinth of my life and will always be part of the memories here. I want my guests to feel at home and comfortable when that are here. If you have any concerns or requests, please feel free to ask. ---MarkellaRead more on the Yasou website: https://yasourestaurant-restaurant.business.site/"]%

48. Yasou Greek Restaurant owner Markella Gianato standing outside her restaurant in Kimball, 2 of 2

Identifier:
4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.008.4.14.16
Title:
Yasou Greek Restaurant owner Markella Gianato standing outside her restaurant in Kimball, 2 of 2
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Food habits, Restaurants--Design and construction, Greek American women, Restaurants--United States, Greek American restaurateurs, Cooking, Greek, foodways
Location:
Kimball (W. Va.)