New restaurant announced at former Demetrios’ Pizza House location in Bradenton
Demetrios’ Pizza House in Bradenton will reopen as Godson’s Pizza House after the former owner leased the building to his godson.
Philip Chaltis, 32, from Bradenton, will open Godson’s Pizza House at that address, he told the Bradenton Herald on Friday.
Demetrios’ former owner Gus Sokos, 58, is Chaltis’s godfather and gave him his first job at the restaurant when he was 16 years old.
During his years working at Demetrios, he was inspired by the family values and plans to carry on the same concept in his new restaurant.
“After Gus decided it was time for him and the Demetrios name to retire, we renamed it Godson’s,” Chaltis said. “Gus said, what if we name it Godson’s because you’re my godson, you’re taking over for the next generation.”
Chaltis is inspired by the 46-year-old pizza restaurant and wants to wow guests when they first walk in during its grand opening in early July.
“The walls are completely repainted. There are new light fixtures and new carpet,” Chaltis said. “ It is going to feel more lively.”
Godson’s will also be where local sports fans can go to host watch parties and cheer on their favorite high school team or professional teams.
“I want to keep the tradition of a family restaurant but add a sports twist to it,” said Chaltis.
Godson’s will offer hand-tossed pizza instead of the pan pizza Demetrios’ is famously known for by locals.
“When guests come in waiting for pizza, they’ll see dough thrown in the air as you would in New York.” he said, “We will sell pizza, pasta and subs, but the recipes will be different.”
Chaltis has nine years of experience in the restaurant business as the owner of three other local family restaurants, Popi’s Place, Popi’s on The Ranch, and CB’s Pizza & Grill.
They sold some locations during COVID-19 pandemic, but he hopes the community continues to support family-owned businesses in Manatee County.
“COVID-19 was tough but we’re one family going to make it and we’re excited about the reopening,” Chaltis said.
Coming soon signs go up outside the restaurant today, and a Facebook post announcing Chaltis as the new owner has many Bradenton natives excited.
“I can’t wait to meet the families that come in to dine with us and have them become a part of our Godson’s Pizza House family,” Chaltis said.
This story was originally published May 27, 2022 at 3:55 PM.
