Helvetia Cheese sign on the porch of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant
Date:
2017-03-18
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Cooking, Swiss, Food habits, Cheesemaking, Painted signs and signboards, foodways, Helvetia (W. Va.), Restaurants--United States, and Restaurants--Design and construction
Curb service signs at Morrison's Drive-In in Logan
Date:
2016-06-10
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Hot dog stands, foodways, Cooking (Frankfurters), Drive-in restaurants, Food habits, Restaurants--Design and construction, and Restaurants--United States
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
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
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
Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--United States, Greek American women, Cooking, Greek, Restaurants--Design and construction, foodways, and Food habits
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
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
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
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
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
Decor and ephemera at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball
Date:
2016-04-14
Creator:
Hilliard, Emily
Subject:
Food habits, Greek American restaurateurs, Restaurants--Design and construction, Restaurants--United States, Cooking, Greek, Restaurateurs, and foodways
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto0013114 "Exterior of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01131817 "Table in the front room of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia, 1 of 2")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01231817 "Table in the front room of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia, 2 of 2")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01331817 "Buffet table in the front room of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia, 1 of 2")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01431817 "Buffet table in the front room of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia, 2 of 2")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01531817 "Tools, cooking implements, and pictures in the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia, 1 of 2")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01631817 "Tools, cooking implements, and pictures in the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia, 2 of 2")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01731817 "Round wire tool used in cheesemaking, hanging in Helvetia's Hutte Swiss Restaurant")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01831817 "Library room in the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto01931817 "Table in the library room of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto02031817 "Helvetia Cheese sign on the porch of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant")
![["The town of Helvetia, West Virginia, population 59, was founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1869. In the late 60s, around Helvetias centennial, town matriarch Eleanor Mailloux worked to revive many of Helvetias Swiss traditions, co-founding the Hutte Swiss restaurant, collecting a cookbook of community recipes, and restoring the Fasnacht celebration as a public event. Helvetia also has a long-standing cheese making tradition, practiced in private homes, and in the semi-public Cheese Haus, which now is located in an old renovated mechanics garage. Documentation of foodways traditions in the community is part of the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Learn more: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/Also see Emily Hilliards piece on Helvetias seasonal celebrations via The Bitter Southerner: https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia Read her piece on the Hutte Restaurant, Something Good from Helvetia, for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/ and NPR piece on Fasnachts foodways traditions: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtLearn more about Helvetia via the website maintained by Helvetia resident Dave Whipp: http://www.helvetiawv.com/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaPhoto02131817 "Porch of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia")
![["The Htte Swiss Restaurant was founded in Helvetia in the 1960s by Eleanor Mailloux and Delores Bagerly. Mailloux took sole ownership of the restaurant in 1976, and it is now owned by a collective of family members. The Htte is still open every day and functions as a community gathering place and ad hoc museum. The restaurant offers mostly Swiss-German fare, with menu items such as rosti, veal and pork bratwurst, parsley potatoes, sauerkraut, house made sausage, homemade bread, and sauerbraten (sour beef).Visit the Httes facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-H%C3%BCtte-Restaurant-164869667005759Read more about the Htte in Emily Hilliards articles for the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/something-good-from-helvetia/NPRs The Salt: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/17/386970143/swiss-village-west-virginia-mardi-gras-feast-fasnachtAnd The Bitter Southerner:https://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginiaAlso see the Helvetia Foodways Oral History Project conducted by the West Virginia Folklife Program in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/helvetia-west-virginia/"]](/thumb/4224HelvetiaCommunityFair081Photo91016 "Interior of the Hutte Swiss Restaurant in Helvetia")
![["Morrison's Drive-In is located at 126 Stollings Ave., along the Guyandotte River in Logan, West Virginia. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/Morrisons-Drive-Inn-Offical-Site-114921678593024/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/"]](/thumb/4224HotDogTourPhoto01161016 "Curb service signs at Morrison's Drive-In in Logan")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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")
![["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/4224YasouRestaurantPhoto01441416 "Decor and ephemera at Yasou Greek Restaurant in Kimball")