Demetrios' Pizza House

Next chapter...

This has all been wonderful - but now we’re on our way ❤️

UPDATE: Richard Parcels placed the highest bid at $1,000.00. Together with the matching donors we raised $7,000.00 for the Bill Baker Memorial Foundation whose purpose is to provide a scholarship to a student in need at Manatee Technical College or a similar educational institution in the field of auto body collision repair and restoration. Bill Baker was our owner's, Gus D Sokos, father-in-law and like us was very giving to the community.

ORIGINAL: Most of you have mentioned in your posts the generosity that we have shared with our community. We have always said that we did it because the community was so good to us. As the days wound day it was suggested that we auction off the last pizza to a charity and to let that be our “last contribution”. We love the idea and expended on that. We have located an original table from the early 80’s that we will include with the last large pizza (winner’s choice on toppings) and Helen will throw in one of her world famous Greek salads. Unfortunately you must consume the last pizza today.

Gus and Lisa Sokos will match the winning bid up to $1,000.00. Additionally some of their awesome friends are also offering matching donations.
Shannon Glasgow, $1,000.00
John Horne, $1,000.00
Erik Marshall, $500.00
Robert Ricciardo, $500.00
Curt Mahoney, $500.00
Terry Wilson, $500.00
Sid Jones, $500.00
Scott Monroe, $500.00

The auction will END at 6:00 pm today.
Thank you for your genericity.

Today marks the end of an era for all of us. We’ve been joking with people that you all are the ones who are sad, we are happy! Retirement is the goal, right? And we are HAPPY and excited. 🤩😍 But, we can’t deny that we’re also feeling nostalgic and emotional and probably a little sadness and a bit of fear about the unknown. 😰

Coming here every day to make pizzas and serve our customers-turned-friends is all we know! We had a lot of ideas for how we wanted these last two weeks to go, but we could have NEVER imagined how it’s actually gone.

Two hour wait times for 2+ weeks straight. Countless hugs, goodbyes, and thank you’s. The most pizzas ever made in a day, and then more the next day. Dozens of cards and flower arrangements. News crew after news crew. It’s been beyond our wildest dreams. We ALL feel loved, appreciated, and validated. Thanks for believing in, and supporting, our American dream.

So, as we prepare to open our doors the last time, a few super important announcements that we need your help to share!

🍝 We will, and I repeat WILL, run out of product today, and sooner than we planned!
🍕There’s a very good chance that our waiting list will close by 4pm so we can ensure a great experience for our diners. We cannot guarantee much longer than that. Please do not wait until the evening because we hate to disappoint you.
🥗 There is also a good chance we will not be able to accept takeout orders 😰
❤️ Our amazing crew is tired - please continue to show them kindness and patience. We will recognize them and share their future plans in the coming days.

THANK YOU!!!

Paula (and the rest of us!) invite you back for LUNCH this week, when we'll be open from 11am-7:30pm daily.

🥗 Our LUNCH SPECIAL this week will be a little different than usual. For those looking for their favorite "combo meal," you can add on the mini Greek Salad or Chicken Orzo for $2.99.

As you've no doubt heard, it's been very BUSY here and we're very much appreciating those who are waiting in line patiently, enjoying their final visits, and saying goodbye to our team.

A few requests so we can serve you best:

🍕 We are NOT accepting reservations.
🍕 Patience, please. If we estimate a wait time for your table, and it's longer, it's probably because fond farewells are taking time ❤️
🍕 Our menu is officially limited so our kitchen can serve you faster. Last week, we discontinued Fries and this week, no Sandwiches. 🥲
🍕 While we know many utilize Uber Eats and DoorDash to get DPH delivered, we've discontinued these apps. Please call 941-758-6478 for carry-out. You might have to wait on hold, but this is the only way we can guarantee your order arrives fresh and represents our product in the best way. It hurt us to see some drivers not show up for hours last week!
🍕 We kindly request (but will not require) that your group be fewer than 12 people at one table. It helps if larger groups are willing to split into separate tables. Another thing that helps with our timing is not requesting split checks. 🙏
🍕 Folks are having fun "tailgating" in the parking lot. One bunch called ahead for a reservation, and rather than being disappointed, they took us up on the suggestion to bring lawn chairs! We will be happy to pour you a beer while you wait! 🍻

This is a guy we’re extremely proud of. Skyler started with us 10 years ago (which is hard to believe!) as a busser. He’s evolved so much in the last decade and now is one of our star servers. He’s a truly terrific person and has been a fantastic asset to our family.

Skyler’s going to enjoy some well-deserved rest before he finds his next restaurant family, which we’re sure he’ll make very happy!

This is our friend Scott. Scott remembers coming here for the first time as a kid after a movie at DeSoto Square Mall and his Mom said, “hey, let’s go try this new Italian place!” And the rest was history.

Scott lives in Georgia now, but whenever he comes home to visit his Mom, Demetrios’ is his first stop. When he heard that we are retiring next week, he flew down to get one last meal with us. 🥺🥺

And Scott’s not the only one. We’ve heard of people driving from all over the state, and beyond, to visit us one last time. Thank you for showing up for us like this ❤️❤️

For the next ten days until we say goodbye, join us in reminiscing over our time together and sharing deep appreciation with our staff.

Today we recognize this dynamic duo, our Curbside Ninja Warriors, Maya and Andrew, who started with us around four years ago. Now, Maya keeps our takeout program running smoothly and Andrew (who turned 21 yesterday!) is serving tables with a smile. They both are hard workers who are friendly, considerate and can multitask like pros 💪

We are so proud of how these two have grown into awesome young adults, and wish them all the best in their future pursuits. Andrew is studying Marketing at SCF and Maya will continue working with another of our family's businesses, Shop Andi's List.

Thanks for your service to Demetrios'!

From what we're hearing, one of the things you love most about our restaurant is its consistency over the past 46 years. One of the biggest reasons why is because of this man, John Kosmas, who started working here when he was just a boy. He learned the ropes of customer service from our beloved Jimmy and has carried that torch forward ever since.

Over 31 years, John has only missed ONE day of work. ONE. How many people can say that?

Most of you know recognize him as our daytime manager, juggling dozens of takeout orders while seating guests and working with our team to prompt, friendly service. John is kind, professional, intelligent, helpful, diligent, passionate, and most of all, caring. He's always cared deeply about this place and its people.

There's only one thing he's ever gotten wrong in his time here. And that's when people ask John whether he's part of "the family." He tells them no, because by blood, there's no relation. But the truth is that John has always been, and always will be, part of our family.

Yanni, we love you and appreciate your service. While John's last day with us technically passed last week, he promises to join us over the next few weeks so we can all say goodbye together, as a family. ❤️

Wow, wow, wow, Bradenton. None of us could have predicted the *overwhelming* tidal wave of love you've shown since announcing our retirement date of April 16th. 🤗

We are proud to have created a place that felt like a second home to so many of you, where special moments were shared and countless memories made over great food and a friendly atmosphere. ❤️ Thank you...we truly will never forget your support during this bittersweet time.

A few updates to share:
🍕 In order to best serve as many people as possible during these last two weeks, we will begin *limiting our menu,* both to streamline operations and in some cases, while supplies last.
Thanks for understanding!

🍕 Expect wait times *upwards of an hour* for dine-in and take-out. We are not taking reservations or call-ahead seating. Out of respect for others waiting, we will not seat your party unless all guests are present. Please plan accordingly!

🍕 Over the next few weeks, we will be posting some of our favorite memories with our staff and sharing old photos. We'd love to see yours too, and have created an online form where you may upload yours > https://form.jotform.com/220887692078167

🍝 For more information, please visit > demetriospizza.com/faq

From our family to yours, thank you ❤️

We are excited to announce Demetrios' Pizza House as one of the local restaurants that will be featuring some of the best-selling items on their menu at the 2022 Beertopia presented by Mango Cart! 🤤

Beertopia is on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 6:00 pm until 9:30 pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, tickets are only $60

Tickets ➡️ desotohq.com/beertopia

Place your orders today!

So happy to be included in this roundup from Ticket Sarasota of the best pizza places in Sarasota-Bradenton!
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/dining/restaurant-reviews/2022/02/02/best-restaurants-for-pizza-22-of-our-favorite-pizzerias-downtown-sarasota-to-bradenton-florida/6610309001/

We have ketchup…..

It’s always our pleasure to support Manatee Hundred Club and Manatee County Sheriff's Office!

Demetrios' Pizza House updated their address.

There's still time. Place your order today!

Hungry?

Demetrios' Pizza House updated their phone number.

Come in and see us tonight 4pm to 9pm! 🍕

In honor of our Southern neighbors on their national holiday, welcome our pizza of the week........

PACO TACO
A salsa based pizza with ground beef and onions. Topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a creamy Baja sauce