KAWARTHA LAKES-A beloved family restaurant in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, is aging like a fine Greek wine while celebrating an incredible 120 years in business.
Since its beginning in 1906, the Olympia has been shaped by generations of passionate Greek owners who believed in good food, warm hospitality, and creating a space where people feel at home. For 120 years, The Olympia in Lindsay has been more than a restaurant – it’s been a gathering place, a family business, and a cornerstone of the community and has thrived for 12 decades in business, in the very same location.
“This anniversary is a monumental achievement we have earned, and we are privileged to be able to celebrate it in 2026,” says proprietor Nicki Dedes.
Starting June 4 until December 31, 2026 the Olympia restaurant, its owners and staff, will be celebrating in several ways. The entire community of the City of Kawartha Lakes, as well as the restaurant’s online followers and friends are invited to participate.
Some of the ways the Olympia will be celebrating include:
-
- Launching 120 Ways To Love The Olympia, a celebratory campaign that invites our customers, community, followers and friends to share their own fond memories of days gone by at the Olympia.
- Special events, like Greek-themed nights with music, starting this summer
- Ongoing new food and drink specials including a delicious new birthday cake created by our own culinary team
- A celebration Birthday Bash is planned for fall 2026 and a New Year’s Eve party will take place Dec. 31
The 120 Reasons To Love The Olympia campaign starts June 4. Anyone, anywhere, especially past and current customers and their families and friends, are invited to share their own fond memories of The Olympia either online or in person.
According to Dedes “We know that so many memories have been made at the Olympia over the past 120 years. That’s why we want to share our own fond memories of the Olympia, and are inviting our customers, community, friends and followers to share theirs too.”
The Olympia will re-post some of these shared memories for everyone to see, and will be sharing some of its own. The restaurant team will also collect them all together online as the campaign progresses, at www.olympiarestaurant.ca.
How it works:
-
- Online, by posting a photo or a written memory, and tag us @olympialindsay1906. Just tag us if you want to post something in your own feed, or send us a direct message if you prefer to be private. Find us on Facebook and Instagram @Olympialindsay1906. Or you can send an email to: memories@
olympiarestaurant.ca - In person. During business hours, drop off old photos taken at the Olympia, or leave behind a handwritten story or note. A drop box will be sitting inside the front door near the restaurant entrance. Staff will assist those who need help. Anyone who wants a memory they’ve left in the drop box returned to them are encouraged to leave a phone number or email with their submission.
- Online, by posting a photo or a written memory, and tag us @olympialindsay1906. Just tag us if you want to post something in your own feed, or send us a direct message if you prefer to be private. Find us on Facebook and Instagram @Olympialindsay1906. Or you can send an email to: memories@
Three Greek families proceeded the Dedes’ ownership:
-
- Nicki Dedes’ parents, Chris and Cathe Karkabasis purchased the restaurant in 1980
- Chris and Eudoxia ‘Ma’ Tozios operated The Olympia Tea Room, known as a welcoming stop for refreshments and lighter fare, for 50 years (1930-80)
- Brothers Tony and Andreas Bakogeorge first opened The Olympia Candy Works in 1906, a destination candy and ice cream shop (locations in Lindsay, Barrie and Bowmanville)
Other fun facts:
-
- Nicki began working in the restaurant part-time when she was 16
- Nicki and Costas Dedes changed the restaurant into a lunch and dinner establishment. Before their ownership, The Olympia served breakfast and lunch.
- Nicki’s brother, Louis, is a highly regarded entrepreneur and restaurateur (Pane Vino, Round Up Burgers, etc.) and an accomplished sommelier and wine merchant
The Olympia is located on the historic Kent Street in downtown Lindsay. Follow them @olympialindsay1906 on Facebook and Instagram, call 705-328-1444, or visit olympiarestaurant.ca to book reservations, menus, private events and more of our history.
