Since its inception in 1906, the Olympia has always been a family run business. The original owners, the brilliant Bakogeorge brothers, Tony and Andreas created THE OLYMPIA CANDY WORKS, stunningly beautiful candy and ice cream shops, Tony in Lindsay and Andreas in Barrie. Their success swelled into wholesale ice cream, candies and tobacco across southern Ontario and famous Toronto eateries like Diana Sweets.
By 1930, the second owners, the Tozios family remodeled it into THE OLYMPIA TEA ROOM, a comforting place to stop in for refreshments and lighter fare as a kitchen was put in. In 1980, third owners, the Karkabasis family took on the legacy of this establishment, simply named, THE OLYMPIA RESTAURANT continued tradition with full service breakfast, lunch and dinner to families and local business community.
Today, into its third generation, the Karkabasis and Dedes families extends deep gratitude to our community for support all these years. The core values of warm hospitality, family traditions, celebrating life and a menu inspired by the healthy Mediterranean diet have been our motto, our passion, and our commitment. As we all make history together in these unprecedented times, we stand committed to carrying on these values and traditions.
Nicki Karkabasis-Dedes, Kostas Dedes, Nikos Dedes, & Christina Dedes
IN THE MEDIA
2022, The Lindsay Advocate, Nicki Dedes on family ties and living life with intention
2020, The Lindsay Advocate, Remembering the Olympia Tea Room’s Eudoxia “Ma” Tozios
2018, The Lindsay Advocate, Chris Karkabasis wins lifetime achievement award…