Mayor presents owner with the key to Warren

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 The event Monday was a surprise to the owner. BY AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — For 90 years, high booths and good dining have been trademarks for the Saratoga Restaurant in the city's downtown business district. On Monday, Mayor Michael J. O'Brien honored owner Jim Economos and his family for the longevity of their business with a key to the city mounted on a plaque. "Since 1916 a lot of things have changed, but the Saratoga has stayed the same," he said. "For 90 years, this restaurant has been working to please even the most discriminating palates." Monday's event, which was planned without Economos' knowledge, came as "a complete surprise," he said. "I want to thank the residents of Warren and the Mahoning Valley, who have been with us through thick and thin," he said. Economos also thanked his family, especially his son, Eric, and daughter, Chrisi, who are his partners in the restaurant. Eric, accompanied by his wife, Angela, and son, Evan, 4, has worked in the business for 24 years. "I enjoy working downtown and working with people," he said. "You get to work with the regular customers and meet the new people who come in." Evan, who has his own uniform, is carrying on the Saratoga tradition of hospitality, his mother said. "He loves to come in here and help," she said. "He sweeps the floor and gives out mints to customers." History The Saratoga story began in 1916 when Greek immigrant Haralambos "Harry" Kapouralos arrived in Warren and established the Saratoga at its current location at 129 E. Market St. just east of Courthouse Square. The Saratoga came into the Economos family's hands in 1935 when Jim's father and uncle, Harry and Nick Economos, bought the restaurant after Kapouralos declared bankruptcy. Jim credited his father, who died in 1990, with much of the Saratoga's continued success. "My father taught me what I know today about the restaurant business," he said. Jim's 91-year-old mother, Joan, only recently stopped working at the Saratoga, but for years she was a familiar face behind the cash register. "She can't be here with us today, physically, but she's here with us in spirit," he said. Eric said he's not sure yet if the Saratoga will be run by a fourth generation of the Economos family. "I don't know if he'll want to take it on," he said, looking down at Evan. "The restaurant business is a lot of work." The Saratoga is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. agarrett@vindy.com