Through Stanley Cup Championships, the COVID-19 pandemic and many, many events at former Rexall Place, Coliseum Steak and Pizza has been dedicated to serving Edmontonians for 50 years. Dimitra Scordas, now one of the owners, has been working at the establishment since her father opened it with his brothers and another partner in 1976. She was just 17 years old. “It’s generational,” Scordas told CTV News Edmonton. “I’m ready to take a step back now, and my son will take over along with my partner’s children.” Many of the staff and customers have been coming to the restaurant for almost as long as it’s been open. “I’ve had people here for 40 years, 45 years, some staff members. That’s what keeps us going … People are generational customers who have been coming here year after year,” said Scordas. “We always put the customer first, and I think that’s what’s helped us get to the point that we are offering good food and good prices and treating people like family when they come through the door,” said part-owner Diana Varvis. “We’re all family here.” Frequent customer Jim Wachowich has been visiting Coliseum Steak and Pizza for about 25 years. “It was big during the Oilers’ heyday at the Coliseum building, so this was a frequent stop before or after the game,” he said, adding that the welcoming atmosphere makes the restaurant unique. One of Scordas’ favourite memories was when the Oilers brought the Stanley Cup to the restaurant. She has a photo of her son in the cup at just 18 months old. “Glenn Anderson spent a lot of time here, he was very good friends with my Uncle George,” she said. “And just very recently, Evander Kane has been a great asset to the businesses here and just a wonderful customer.” But the last 50 years have also brought some struggles, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the Coliseum. “I remember a lot of people saying, ‘Are you still going to be able to survive?’ And fortunately, we pulled through,” said Scordas. “We have a lot of regular, generational customers that just keep coming back, and that’s what has kept us going.” While many restaurants have chosen to update and modernize their decor, Coliseum has stayed the same, serving as a time capsule for those who have been dining since day one. “We want it to be classic. We want people to feel comfortable when they come in,” said Varvis. “We’re not big on change, so I think that’s part of our appeal.” Here’s to another 50 years around the sun. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Narheman Issa
