The Olympia turns 120

Monumental milestone invites customers and community to share memories, attend events and eat cake

This year, the Olympia, a beloved Greek family restaurant in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, is celebrating an incredible 120 years in business.

For 120 years, The Olympia has been more than a restaurant – it’s been a gathering place, a family business, and a cornerstone of the community. This beloved Greek establishment has thrived for 12 decades in business, in the very same location. The restaurant has stood the test of time, surviving an unimaginable range of world events and business fluctuations in that time.

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. Today, the Olympia is owned and operated by Costas and Nicki Dedes. Their children, Christina Patton and Niko Dedes, both play pivotal roles in the operation. Three Greek families preceded the Dedes’ ownership:

Brothers Tony and Andreas Bakogeorge first opened The Olympia Candy Works in 1906, a destination candy and ice cream shop; 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); Nicki Dedes’ parents, Chris and Cathe Karkabasis purchased the restaurant in 1980.

“This anniversary is a monumental achievement we have earned, and we are privileged to be able to celebrate it in 2026,” said Nicki, in a press release.

Starting June 4 until December 31, the Olympia restaurant, its owners and staff, will be celebrating in several ways. The entire community 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 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 the culinary team
  • A celebration Birthday Bash is planned for fall 2026, and a New Year’s Eve party will take place Decemeber 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 @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: 
  • 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.