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Pinocchio’s Restaurant was established in
1955 as a small family restaurant and was
recognized as the first pizza shop in the
area. Although the restaurant has been
expanded many times, Pinocchio’s continues
to keep that small family restaurant image
through friendly employees and by using the
best quality standards in products. Through
the years Pinocchio’s has been a
trend-setter in the restaurant business.
They introduced 6-ft long hoagies,
strombolis, tacos and white pizza.
Tom and Athena Volikas bought Pinocchio’s in
1965 from the previous owner after it had
been operating for 10 years. By then, it had
been established with a menu that included
Mexican dishes. Tom had been the head chef
at the Lamb Tavern, and ran a coffee shop on
Woodland Avenue in Springfield for 10 years.
The tacos have been gone for years, but
Pinocchio’s 10-page menu has pizza, hoagies,
steaks, sandwiches, entrees, and homemade
lasagna, "Something for Everyone".
Tom and Athena’s son, Ted began working at
the restaurant as a teen and went full time
right out of high school in 1970. Tom
retired in 1978, while Ted carried on the
tradition. Ted’s son Tim joined the family
business as a manager in 2001 and his
daughter, Athena joined in 2005 to handle
the finances. The Volikas family credits the
success of its business to the great food
and wonderful, long-time employees.
The evolution to today’s restaurant has been
progressive, with one expansion in 1978, a
second in 1982, and a full liquor license
about 14 years ago with a full range of
products, including 90 brands of beer for
take out, 16 beers on tap, and great wine
and drink menus. Retro stainless-steel decor
has been added in the last few years.
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