By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The year 2021 will be remembered as 365 days of dominance for Olympic Steak & Pizza in the city of Millington.
Recently owner Harry Sinis was informed his establishment was voted Best Pizza, Best Steak, Best Fine Dining, Best Buffet among other awards in the 2022 The Millington Star Readers’ Choice.
So it only seemed natural the area readers would bot Olympic Steak & Pizza the 2022 Readers’ Choice Restaurant of the Year.
“It’s an honor and a privilege for us to get these awards and the support of the community,” Sinis said. “They’ve been great to us for going on 15 years. We’re very thankful.”
Sinis emphasized that the key to Olympic’s success is as simple as caring. He said as long as each staff member and the leadership of Olympic esteems others higher, all will fall into place from the service, to the cooking, to the overall experience of each customer who visits the establishment located at 8500 Wilkinsville Road.
“Our patrons’ health, safety and convenience is a priority for us,” he said. “To serve them and to serve them well any way we can whether it is food, drink or safety measures. Anything we can do to make their experience the best possible we will do.”
Being voted the best overall restaurant gives the team a sense of pride, but Sinis said being recognized as the best buffet is a reflection of the crew in the kitchen.
“The variety is important because as we know every individual is different,” he noted. “Especially everybody’s taste buds are different. We all have our own preference. So when you have a large selection as far as the salad bar goes, people can create their own unique combinations as far as salads. ‘A little bit of this, which dressing I want.’ That feel of creating your own dish, people enjoy.”
Also on the Olympic menu are salads featuring Caesar, Greek and gyro. Teenagers and children seem to enjoy appetizers like potato skins, mozzarella sticks, hot wings, jalapeno poppers, chicken strips and a personal pizza.
Burgers and sandwiches on the menu are the signature hickory burger and gyro pita wrap. A customer can order a steak sandwich, Philly cheesesteak or chicken pita wrap.
Of course there is dessert like cheesecake and pecan pie you can partake in after a dinner from the categories of Hand Cut Steaks, Seafood, Italian Dinners, House Specialties, Chicken and the trademark Homemade Pizzas.
“That’s our goal and mission is to be a family oriented restaurant who can serve anyone from a toddler to a veteran,” Sinis said. “You can dress it up or you can dress it down. We just want to be a place where everyone feels like they’re wanted, welcome and everybody fits in.”
Sinis said the main ingredient that brings it all together is the staff. As he entered the building, Sinis was greeted by hugs and firm handshakes from the crew on duty.
“My staff is amazing,” he said. “We would not have had or had any of the success we have without them. They’re the engine that makes this run. We have incredible people. They’re selfless and give of themselves. They give to our customers and everyone. I am especially thankful and grateful for them.”
Sinis said that the family atmosphere for the staff can be found at the three other locations for Olympic at 5138 Airline Road in Arlington, 10862 Highway 51 South in Atoka and 6250 Highway 64 Suite 12 in Oakland.
“What we’re going to do is try to get better with the ones we have,” Sinis said. “We’re going to renovate this one and the one in Atoka with updated equipment and furniture. We’re excited about opening the new one across the street. God willing, we’ll see what comes after that.”
So if you’re celebrating a birthday or wedding, having a first date or about to propose, or just meeting up with friends or need a lunch break, Sinis said come to Olympic where 45 years of tradition will make your time memorable.
“Our customers are the best,” he said. “Thank you so much. You guys mean everything to us. We cannot be anymore thankful for your continuous support. Not only for the past 15 years, you’ve always supported us.
“But especially through this pandemic,” Sinis concluded. “When things got really tight and restricted, people found ways to support us by ordering, picking up to-go orders and our staff was super appreciative of tipping our staff more than normal. This community has always rallied and supported us. And we hope to always do the same for them.”
