Our big, fun Greek business

Hotel Creston is a second-generation business complete with a happening pub and an impressive span of recent renovations

From left: Owners Chris, Cori, Maria, Paul and Mimika relax on the patio at Jimmy's Pub and Grill. — Brendan Mitchell photo

Ask the locals in Creston, B.C., for a good place to eat and they will likely recommend Jimmy’s Pub and Grill. The building also houses the Creston Hotel, a clean and crisp place to stay. It’s a family-run business that has a strong heritage in the Creston Valley, making it almost an essential part of local culture.

Originally built in 1936 by the Sheen family, the hotel and pub were early originals to the Creston business scene. The hotel was a second-generation business until 1996, when Jimmy Karountzos convinced his friend John Sheen to sell. Although Sheen still often visits the pub, "Jimmy the Greek” developed the business as it is known today along with his cousin and head chef, Demetre. As both are from Greece, the menu and atmosphere of the pub reflect a fun—and delicious—heritage.

In fact, Hotel Creston has remained true to its history as a family business. Three of Karountzos's children, Maria, Chris and Mimika—along with their spouses—have become involved with different aspects of management. As a second-generation business once again, these family members now partner in the day-to-day tasks of running a well-frequented business.They are a vibrant group—so quick to joke, laugh and finish each other’s sentences that it’s difficult not to credit the imported culture they were exposed to growing up. Jimmy the Greek is still involved in running a liquor store that is attached to the building along with his wife, Fotini. Demetre continues to be master of the kitchen, carefully guarding both his recipes and the soup pots.

“It’s kind of nice that everyone has their own niche,” said Mimika Karountzos. “Everyone can help out with anything, whether it be cleaning rooms or serving tables, but we each have a strong point, so that works out really well.”

Staying current

The entire Hotel Creston team has been busy working to ensure that the business and building are kept up to date. A grant for hotel upgrades became available and Hotel Creston was one of several in the area that utilized the opportunity to improve. Plans were already in place, so the grant arrived in a perfectly timely manner.

Renovations were already underway throughout the building and have been an ongoing project over the last couple of years. Hotel rooms all have new flat-screen televisions installed and a vineyard mural was painted on the east wall. More prominent is the new entrance in the front of the building, which leads to the pub. All the stones used were hand-picked river rock, and custom wood beams were integrated into the design. This has helped lend a sense of class to both Creston’s main street and the hotel's patio area, which was also recently renovated.

The partners at Hotel Creston are determined to keep things changing for the better, something they’re getting quite adept at. While Jimmy’s continues to be a small-town favourite, the Creston Hotel is growing a customer base. All furniture is handcrafted by a local artist and complemented by new paint, bedding and carpet. The owners also added a front desk in the lobby where they now serve a simple continental breakfast.

“We’re kind of going for the heritage hotel feel,” said Mimika. “We’re classic, we’re family owned. I’ve had customers mention that they will continue to stay here because it feels like home.”

With room currently starting at $75 a night, or $100 for kitchenette suites, Hotel Creston becomes an easy consideration.

Although the Karountzos family is looking forward to eventually scaling down their projects, there is still plenty left in the near future for Hotel Creston. A new menu is about to debut for the pub, including old favourites and some new surprises. The next focus will be new stucco on the exterior, along with some small upgrades to the pub. Finally, they are excited to be planning a banquet room to be added to the east side of the building. The options provided by such a venue will open up opportunities for both Creston itself as well as Hotel Creston.