Our Humble Beginnings
In 1975, Tom and Valsamo Sinis moved from Greece to the U.S. seeking a better future after economic struggles and civil war in Greece. They first settled in Chicago, Illinois, joining the vibrant Greek community and pursuing careers in the restaurant business. However, longing for a warmer climate, they moved to West Tennessee in 1976, where some of Tom’s relatives had found work in the restaurant industry, marking the start of their journey in the South.
Building a New Life in Tennessee
Tom and Valsamo's early days in Tennessee were tough. Valsamo washed dishes seven days a week for $50, while Tom worked as head cook for not much more. In 1977, they partnered with fellow Greeks to open the first Olympic Steak & Pizza in Dyersburg, originally called Olympia Pizza & Steak. Over time, the name changed to Olympic, and the "Steak" swapped with "Pizza." In 1985, Tom and Valsamo moved to Ripley, seeking new opportunities for their growing restaurant.
Growing Olympic: A Journey of Expansion
In 1985, Tom and Valsamo opened their first restaurant in Ripley, Tennessee, a 60-seat Olympic Steak House on Hwy 51. Known for its delicious tomatoes, Ripley became the perfect place for their restaurant to thrive. Olympic Steak House quickly became popular, attracting locals and visitors with its unique blend of southern dishes with a Greek twist. As demand grew, Tom expanded the restaurant to 300 seats in 1989, and it continues to serve customers today.
Expansion and Renaming of Olympic Steak and Pizza
In 1994, Tom and Susan expanded to Atoka, TN, reopening as Olympic Steak and Pizza, bringing pizza back to the menu. The Atoka location quickly became a hit, attracting customers from Memphis and beyond. In 2004, the restaurant expanded by 60 seats to accommodate the growing demand. In 2007, they opened a Millington location to serve the naval base and surrounding areas, followed by another in 2009 in Oakland, TN, catering to those east of Memphis in the Somerville district.
Expanding the Legacy of Olympic Steak & Pizza
On October 30th, 2018, the Sinis Family opened their fourth location in Arlington, TN, featuring an 8,000 sq. ft. building with patio seating, an open bar, TVs, and a drive-thru. It also has a party room for special events. From humble beginnings in Dyersburg, Olympic Steak & Pizza is now a household name in West Tennessee. While Tom and Valsamo are still involved, much of the responsibility is now with their sons, Bill and Harry, and the dedicated management team.
Come Visit Us!
We invite you to stop by our Arlington location at 5183 Airline Road and experience the dining experience we’ve been perfecting for decades. Whether you’re here for a juicy steak, a hot pizza, or a cold drink at our bar, we can’t wait to welcome you into our family. Thank you for being a part of our journey!