by Tyler Kula                                                                                                                                                                                 for the Sarnia Observer

(2014) A destination for rock stars and visiting OHL hockey teams alike, a haven for lovers of Canadian bacon, and a proud purveyor of home-cooked meals and stellar service, John’s Restaurant has entered its golden years.

It was in 1964 that Greek immigrant John Stathakis purchased and converted the home of Ray and Amy Kernohan, who’d been opening their living room to truckers along the Chicago to Toronto traffic corridor of the day.

The all-capitals EAT sign that stood outside of the Kernohan home-diner is still paid homage at John’s where the letters adorn the building’s side and crest the top of its sign pole.

And half a century later, the Stathakis family — including John’s son Leo, John’s wife Tassia, and cousins George and Louie Perdikis — are still behind the London Line spot famous for its all-day breakfast, Greek nights, prime rib, and sauces, soups and specials made from scratch

“We all take a lot of pride in being a part of the community,” said Leo Stathakis, who now runs the business.

“We have a great staff here that actually kind of thinks of the restaurant as their own, so they do take a lot of pride in” the 50-year milestone, added financial controller Jody Feenstra.

Some of the staples include fresh fish on weekends, like salmon for $15.99, or New York steak for $17.99. There’s also a $9.99 breakfast skillet available all day with potatoes, onions, egg, and choices of ham, sausage or bacon.

And there are always new options on the menu, Stathakis said.

“I really think that is the key to success.”

The 50-year-anniversary Rocket Salad — a canola salad tossed with greens, goat cheese, quinoa, candied walnuts and craisins — costs $8.99. It’s another $3 with chicken.

“We put out good food and we give good portions,” said Feenstra. “We actually sometimes have been told we give out too much food per portion.”

The 220-seat restaurant, not counting the 50-seat Famous Room built on in a $750,000 expansion in 2007, employs 50 staff, including the brothers Perdikis who work in the kitchen.

“I think everybody knows George and Louie,” said Feenstra. “They’re pretty popular around here.”

The spot was once recognized as the largest independent buyer of Canadian peameal in Canada, and only serves that variety, Feenstra said.

“That’s kind of our little trademark.”

The theme of the hallmark anniversary is “a part of the community for 50 years.”

Marking the special anniversary, the restaurant is holding an invite-only champagne toast for some of its regulars and vendors Wednesday, and is serving up specials all day Friday, Stathakis said, including as part of a new Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce initiative to highlight local businesses called I A.M. Business.

That includes $5 breakfast for Chamber members from 7-9 a.m.