The Nitsopoulos family has been a strong pillar in Niagara’s hospitality industry for more than 45 years. They’re the family behind the St. Catharines Holiday Inn, Best Western and Hampton Inn — along with the businesses within them, including Parkway Social, Baci Café, Lounge Six, Parkway Conference Centre, Perkins Restaurant, Energy Fitness, Wrigley’s Field and Reflections Fitness Centre. Combined, they employ more than 450 people. And most recently, they’ve addedthe stunning OSTIN’s Restaurant, located in the former JJ Kapp’s restaurant at the Holiday Inn on Ontario Street, to their offerings.
Those who know the “Nitsos” (because if you know them, you don’t call them by their full name!) know them as strong community supporters, donating to and hosting many charity events over the years. No matter the reason, though, when it comes to hosting people their goal is to always deliver a top-notch experience. The stylish, new OSTIN’s Restaurant — that’s Nitso backwards — is no exception.
Converting JJ Kapp’s into OSTIN’s was to be a six-monthprocess when work began in 2019. But then COVID-19shutdowns prolonged the effort. After a complete overhaul that saw the adjoining Parkway Lanes bowling alley transformed into the upscale Parkway Social, featuring a laser tag arena,arcade, VIP bowling lanes and a bar, the restaurant needed to follow suit.
Now standing in the modern, but warm and welcoming space, Tom Nitsopoulos tells WhenInNiagara about the concept that took inspiration from restaurants such as the famous Earl’s and Joey’s. The project, which was celebrated on Sept. 25 with an official ribbon cutting and open house, was brought to life by Stoney Creek-based Design Link International and local architect Peter Lesdow.
“We wanted our space to have that welcoming feel to it — a busy and vibrant spot that mixes business with pleasure. We wanted our space to have that welcoming feel to it — a busy and vibrant spot that mixes business with pleasure — and we feel that we have that formula when you combine Parkway Social, the adjacent upscale bowling alley and entertainment social club, with OSTIN’s Restaurant,” Tom says.
“At OSTIN’s we have a few different private rooms. Our Social Room can accommodate 40 people, the Glass Room holds 12 people and the Ostin Room can accommodate 48 people. All three rooms have built-in AV and TVs for presentations. You can now come for a business meeting and transition into casual dinner and drinks all under one roof.”
Some of the menu highlights are truffle fries, smash patty burgers, Nashville chicken sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese, fillet mignon, fresh pickerel, artisan pizzas and more. Tom’s personal favourite is the rack of lamb.
OSTIN’s will host a few dinner events in the coming months;for example a “Whiskeys Worth Knowing Dinner” in October, which will include three whiskies paired with a three-coursemeal to showcase food and drink together.
Check out this stunning new restaurant on WhenInNiagara and add it to your “Have to Visit” list.
They also offer a date night menu on Thursdays (with wine!)and will be introducing a Sunday buffet brunch. Stay tuned for that one.
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