Michael T. & Anastasia Houllis
|
|
The Houllis family emigrated from
the Dodecanese Islands of Greece around 1915.
Michael T. Houllis arrived in Tarpon Springs, Florida to work as a
sponge diver. He met and married his future wife Anastasia, and had six
children all born in America. |
|
|
|
Manuel & Mary Houllis |
|
One of his four sons, Manuel, grew up and
became a decorated WWII veteran. He married Mary Melissas and embarked into the
restaurant business.
The 200 seat "Island House Restaurant" served locals
and tourists from all over the U.S. and the world for 30 years on beautiful
Clearwater Beach , Florida |
|
|
|
Michael Houllis with daughters
Arianna & Alana & granddaughter Angelina |
|
Manuel's son Michael, while attending
college, took a job at the restaurant and stayed on to help the eatery become
one of the most popular spots in the Tampa Bay area |
|
|
|
Madelyne Houllis-LaChance w/ Husband Barry,
son
Darwin, and Daughters
Elizabeth & Marianthi |
|
Daughter, Madelyne joined in later as
the restaurant became legendary for its fine Greek-American food in a casual
and comfortable Island setting.
Now, several years later, Son Michael,
Daughter Madelyne, son-in-law Barry and Grandson Darwin have reformed the
company “Houllis Island House Inc.” doing business as “Its Greek
To Me Foods.” |
|
|
|
From Our Family To Yours |
|
The goal:
to bring to the market for
the first time the Houllis family’s rendition of the Greek signature soup
Greek Avgo-Lemono Soupa that was made famous at the restaurant. |
