Kathy Hilchey and Irene Baltas are long- time employees of John’s Lunch, having worked there for more than twenty years each, bought out their uncle (Stratos Baltas who’d put in 25 years himself) in 2016 when he wanted to retire. The pair were up to the challenge of becoming the first women to own the iconic restau - rant since it was started by Greek Immi- grants in 1969. Kathy has been involved in the restaurant industry for over 42 years, started working for her uncle in 1979. Kathy proudly states
AN ICONIC EAST COAST DINER EXPERIENCE JOHN’S LUNCH
by Ryan Myson
A lot of things have changed in Halifax over the last fifty plus years, but thankfully some things have stayed the same. One of those things is John’s Lunch a legendary, no-frills diner that is a landmark near the Woodside ferry terminal wharf known for Canadian’s best fish ’n’ chips and top-notch customer service. We chat with Kathy Hilchey and Irene Baltas long time employees that have transitioned into co-owners and the first women to own the iconic brand since it was started by Greek Immigrants in the late 60’s. When John Sarganis opened the doors to John’s Lunch in 1969, I am sure that he never imagined that his diner on Pleasant Street in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia would be a cherished landmark and become such an iconic brand known for delecta- ble diner favourites and award-winning seafood 52 years, or did he?
John Sarganis built the brand by serving loyal regulars and new friends along the way and yes Halifax and Dartmouth have seen many changes over the past half century, but this iconic diner has maintained the same recipes for all of this time, while adding some new favourites to the menu over the years.
that she has always been the in the restaurant industry and will tell you that she never wanted to be an office person. She loved the flexibility that the restaurant industry gave her to enjoy her other passions in life. Irene is a mother of two boys and has a paralegal background and worked for the Department of Justice for many years. Being the
daughter of a restaurateur and her family part of that industry all of her life, she soon realized that waitressing was a lot more fun, and she could work less hours and make a lot more money while having a better work life balance for her and her family.
65
64
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online