Since September of 2009, I've been working at Pappas Ranch, known for their unique blend of Greek and American style barbecue.
I'm not going to waste my time or yours going on about how delicious the food is or about the creative decor, or even about the weekly country bands that come in to perform. The reviews can tempt you with how good the food is, but I want to tempt you with the story of a community coming together around good food.
Louis Pappas is an innovative man with a rich legacy as and a passion for good food. His grandfather came to this country and purchased land on the Pinellas/Pasco border where they've had a ranch since 1905. They opened the Louis Pappas Riverside Cafe which eventually turned into the Pappas Restaurant located in Tarpon Springs. The Pappas Restaurant was world renowned for the creation of the original Greek salad served with the addition of potato salad and was a landmark in Tarpon Springs until its closing in 2002. Louis Pappas has left a legacy of serving good food to an appreciative community.
This article appears in May 20-26, 2010.