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![["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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto00141416 "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:
- Food habits, Cooking, Greek, Greek American restaurateurs, Orthodox Eastern Church, Restaurants--United States, foodways, Greek American women, and Restaurants--Design and construction
- 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto00341416 "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:
- Greek American women, Coal miners in art, Cooking, Greek, Restaurants--Design and construction, foodways, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, and 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto00441416 "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:
- Restaurants--United States, Restaurants--Design and construction, Food habits, Cooking, Greek, Restaurateurs, Greek American women, foodways, and Greek American restaurateurs
- 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto00541416 "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:
- Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, Greek American women, Cooking, Greek, Restaurants--Design and construction, foodways, and 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto00741416 "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:
- Food habits, Greek American women, Cooking, Greek, foodways, Restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, Restaurants--Design and construction, and Greek American restaurateurs
- 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto00841416 "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:
- Greek American women, foodways, Cooking, Greek, Food habits, Restaurants--Design and construction, Greek American restaurateurs, and Restaurants--United States
- 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto01041416 "Yasou Greek Restaurant sign painted on the restaurant building, 2 of 2")
- Identifier:
- 4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.010.4.14.16
- Title:
- Yasou Greek Restaurant sign painted on the restaurant building, 2 of 2
- Date:
- 2016-04-14
- Creator:
- Hilliard, Emily
- Subject:
- Greek American women, foodways, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--Design and construction, Cooking, Greek, Greek Americans, Food habits, Painted signs and signboards, and Restaurants--United States
- 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto01141516 "Sign for the West Virginia Grocery and Yasou Deli in Kimball, 1 of 2")
- Identifier:
- 4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.011.4.15.16
- Title:
- Sign for the West Virginia Grocery and Yasou Deli in Kimball, 1 of 2
- Date:
- 2016-04-14
- Creator:
- Hilliard, Emily
- Subject:
- Greek American restaurateurs, foodways, Restaurateurs, Restaurants--Design and construction, Painted signs and signboards, Greek American women, Food habits, Cooking, Greek, and Restaurants--United States
- 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto01241416 "Sign for the West Virginia Grocery and Yasou Deli in Kimball, 2 of 2")
- Identifier:
- 4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.012.4.14.16
- Title:
- Sign for the West Virginia Grocery and Yasou Deli in Kimball, 2 of 2
- Date:
- 2016-04-14
- Creator:
- Hilliard, Emily
- Subject:
- Restaurants--Design and construction, Painted signs and signboards, Greek American restaurateurs, Greek American women, Food habits, Restaurants--United States, foodways, and 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/"]](/thumb/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto01341416 "Storefront of the former A.P. Wood Grocery, now Yasou Greek Restaurant")
- Identifier:
- 4224.YasouRestaurant.Photo.013.4.14.16
- Title:
- Storefront of the former A.P. Wood Grocery, now Yasou Greek Restaurant
- Date:
- 2016-04-14
- Creator:
- Hilliard, Emily
- Subject:
- foodways, Greek American women, Greek American restaurateurs, Food habits, Restaurants--United States, and Restaurants--Design and construction
- Location:
- Kimball (W. Va.)
