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.