By George offers unique, eclectic fare
The Berkshire chop is one of By George’s specialties
By Michele Gillis Photos courtesy of By George
When George Apodiakos was laid off from his union carpenter job after 23 years in 2008, he didn’t know what he would do. He knew he needed to support his family, and he loved to cook, so he decided to take a leap of faith.
“We just moved from this smaller space to a larger one, and the overhead was significantly different,” said Ronalyn. “When we were made to go under all the restrictions, it was petrifying in the beginning. But, I can honestly tell you, the people of Mon Valley and the surrounding areas came He decided to start selling shish kebabs twice a week in the through, and if they didn’t order food that night, they purback parking lot of his wife Ronalyn’s scrapbook store. chased gift cards. Everyone was wonderful in that regard.” “About three weeks later, the Monessen Fireman’s Club The building they are in now used to be the Monessen Firehired me to come cook for them cooking gyros,” said man’s Club, so George ended up where back he initially George. “It took off like wildfire. It evolved into more days started. George bought the building in 2018 and renovated it during the week with specials including burgers, wings, for a catering facility. Since George has been a carpenter for most of his life, he was able to do most of the work himself pasta, fried fish, gyros and pizza.” with help from contractors. He stayed there for 13 years and eventually opened his own But, after their catering business outgrew the space, they derestaurant, By George, in September 2015. cided it would be a perfect place to move the restaurant. Ronalyn said they pretty much outgrew their first location The restaurant has a nice mix of decor with a lot of natural on Grand Boulevard the first day they opened. Their first lo- wood and skylights, allowing in natural light and giving the cation had 62 seats, but their current location has 125 seats. restaurant a welcoming, warm feel. They moved to the new location in September 2019, right at “By George is more than a restaurant; it’s a place where love is savored with every bite, laughter resonates in its family atthe start of COVID, which was quite stressful. 10 | N OV E M B ER 24, 2023 | M O N VA L L E Y M AGA ZI N E
