В Джефферсон-Сити ушел из жизни основатель легендарной пиццерии Arris' Pardalos

Jefferson City said goodbye to one of its most beloved and longstanding community members Monday. Arris Pardalos, the founder of Arris' Pizza, passed away at the age of 91 last week. His friends and family held a funeral service for him Monday at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. The Pardalos family announced the passing of the family patriarch via social media on Aug. 18. The Facebook post received thousands of likes and comments as community members shared condolences and memories of the local business owner. "So thankful for Mr. Pardalos' love of his community and success of the best pizza in Jefferson City. He truly has been a notable character of what entrepreneurs can become with hard work and dedication," said Susan Bates. "I remember seeing him toss the pizza in the window as a child. I would keep warm by the oven fans after a movie at the theatre waiting for my dad to pick me up," said Kathryn Peters Englund. "Mr. Pardalos was one of the kindest men our family ever knew. May his memory be eternal," said Maria Duncan. Born and raised in Greece, Pardalos moved to Jefferson City in 1961, and opened Arris' Pizza alongside his wife Georgia Kritos seven years later. The restaurant grew into a family operation over generations as Arris and Georgia's children started contributing. Former Jefferson City mayor Carrie Tergin had a close personal connection with Pardalos and his family. Her mother lived across the street from Pardalos in his hometown of Katerini. Tergin's father met her mother during a trip Pardalos took him on to Greece. Tergin's parents got married during that same trip, and without Pardalos, she said she would not be alive today. She remembers hearing the two families speak Greek to each other when she was a kid. "One of the best downtown memories as a kid was walking by Arris Pizza with fresh pizza dough scent blowing and making us all want those delicious squares," Tergin said. "Arris had a way of making everyone feel like family, and welcoming us all to his table. Arris' Pizza is as famous as Jefferson City itself, he is greatly missed, and his legacy lives on with his friends, customers and the next generations." Arris' Pizza has been an irreplaceable staple of downtown Jefferson City for decades, and it has become one of the city's most iconic establishments. "One of the most meaningful parts of Arris' legacy is seeing the next generation continue the family business. That speaks volumes about the foundation he built, the values he instilled and the lasting impact he had on those around him," said Gary Plummer, president and CEO of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. "For generations of residents, it has been a favorite gathering place, and for visitors, a true must-stop during their first trip to our community -- and a must-return on the next one. Just this summer on a visit to Kansas City, when I told a total stranger I was from Jefferson City, his reply was about how much he loves Arris' Pizza." See also: