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2021 SESSION

21102831D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 611
Offered January 21, 2021
Commending Andrew's Grill.
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Patrons-- Aird; Senator: Morrissey
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WHEREAS, Andrew’s Grill, a beloved restaurant in Petersburg that has drawn customers with its incomparable culinary offerings and timeless charm for more than a half-century, closed in 2020; and

WHEREAS, Andrew’s Grill was founded in 1967 by Andrew Plakas, who was the nephew of Louis Plakas, owner of the Dixie Restaurant, another treasured Petersburg eatery; and

WHEREAS, two years after its founding, Fotios Melis and his brother, Harry, purchased the restaurant and operated it together until Harry’s passing in 2008; the sole owner for the past 12 years, Fotios Melis is closing the restaurant to begin his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Andrew’s Grill has long been a family affair, with Fotios and Harry Melis’s sister, Nicki Karousos, helping with every aspect of the restaurant for 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Andrew’s Grill was supported by many loyal employees over the years; notably, Mary Bland, affectionately known by customers as “Miss Mary,” had waited tables at Andrew’s Grill since 1970, providing world-class hospitality that was a signature part of the Andrew’s Grill experience; and

WHEREAS, famous for its chili dogs and other diner-style delights, Andrew’s Grill consistently provided its customers with excellent food and exceptional service, becoming a local Petersburg tradition for residents from all walks of life; and

WHEREAS, located in the same place on West Washington Street for more than 50 years and featuring décor dating to the restaurant’s founding, Andrew’s Grill offered guests an opportunity to experience a bygone era when classic diners ruled the American restaurant scene; and

WHEREAS, in September 2020, Fotios Melis’s nephew Pete Karousos opened Pete’s Grill in the former Andrew’s Grill location, offering the same classic menu as the former restaurant and ensuring that the legacy of Andrew’s Grill will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Andrew’s Grill, a cherished restaurant in downtown Petersburg, for providing extraordinary food and service to customers for more than a half-century; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Fotios Melis, owner of Andrew’s Grill, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his restaurant’s place in the history and culture of the Commonwealth.