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All it was hoped to be El Spero restaurant closes after four decades by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Friday, June 27, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com When El Spero restaurant opened in 1973, Steve Kotsopoulos was about 10-years-old. He remembers spending a lot of his time there helping out with the family business owned by his father Danny Kotsopoulos and uncle George Kotsopoulos -- until he was handed the reigns in 1982. Now, after more than 40 years in business, the family-owned restaurant in the former Hopedale Mall -- now called South Oakville Centre -- is closing. Its lease, which was originally scheduled to end last September, was extended until the end of this month by mall owner Calloway REIT. Sunday (June 29) is the last day it will be open for patrons to see the familiar faces that have become a fixture in the community. Sitting at the rear of the restaurant, with a clear view of the regulars and customers in the front, Steve told the Oakville Beaver it has been a great run for El Spero thanks to a dedicated staff and loyal customers. "We've had our generations of people coming here since we opened and three generations that actually work here," said the T.A. Blakelock High School graduate, noting his own two children, now 22 and 25, have been helping out with the business as well. "It's like coming home and having a guest welcomed into your home," he continued, describing the established relationship El Spero created with its patrons. The community support, Steve added, continues to be overwhelming, especially in the last year with residents rallying to keep El Spero open after hearing that Calloway REIT was not expected to renew its lease last June. Known as the Wednesday Lunching Ladies, back row from left, Sandra Taylor, Jean Erickson, Jennifer Neal and Willie More than 1,300 people signed an online peCanham ate weekly at the same table at El Spero Family Restaurant. At their last meet-up before the restaurant tition on www.change.org asking the mall to re- closes this weekend, they were joined by Kotsopoulos family members, front row from left, Mike, Donny, Danny and tain the eatery while members of the nearby St. Steve. | photo by Chantal Ayotte ­ Oakville Beaver Dominic Roman Catholic Church congregation also started a similar petition. Steve said thanks to that support, the restaurant was able to keep its doors open longer to better prepare for its closure. He said it is leaving on a high note. "We've enjoyed one of the best years this last year," said Steve, "We're fortunate to operate a business for as many years as we have." While he's not quite sure what his next move will be, he said he'll be enjoying the summer and taking advantage of the time off to think about · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? what the future will hold. Salima Kassam If El Spero decides to relocate, he said he will Reg. Chiropodist · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? be sure to inform his customers who have given him their email addresses and contact informaCALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 905-632-1414 tion. see Bittersweet on p.7 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com A STEP BEYOND IN CARE DO YOU HAVE: CREATE YOUR DREAM h t a B r o n e Kitch with any new kitchen purchased from June 1-30/14. Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer. FREE Installation NEEDS HELP Many older adults in our community are struggling to stay in their own homes, even if they have the means to hire help. At Home Care Assistance, we provide a level of care that enhances the independence of older adults, including those who have Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or are recovering from a stroke or surgery. Surely, you know an older adult who would benefit from "assisted living -- at home." Encourage that person to learn more about how Oakville's premier home care company can help him or her continue to lead a full life. An older adult in your life It often takes a trusted friend like you to plant a seed. 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE | QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP | CUSTOM DESIGNS 905-844-3332 Visit our showroom: 333 Wyecroft Rd. Unit 3, Oakville Call for a Free Estimate 905-337-1200 www.aromakitchens.ca www.GreaterTorontoHomeCare.ca 90 Lakeshore Rd West Oakville, Ontario, L6K 1E1 Drop in and say hello! We are located at the corner of Kerr and Lakeshore Road West in Kerr Village