This week s edition of The Local Flavor features Nikolas Zarokostas of Mr. Z s. Nikolas grew up in the restaurant business, going straight from high school to work with his father at The Olde Theater Diner in Rhode Island.
After four years, Nikolas and his father found a space in Plainfield for a new business. Nikolas wanted to focus more on pizza, pasta and salads, all with his own creativity involved. It was here, taking up residence where other businesses had failed, that Nikolas opened up Mr. Z s in 2014.
Blaine: What had you choose Plainfield?
Nikolas: Honestly, we wanted to do something different, doing specialty pizzas and pastas and salads. That’s our main focus, “Fresh is Best” is our motto. Bringing something different was our biggest draw. We always did breakfast and I kinda wanted to sleep in and open up a litter later, which is actually funny because now I get here at 8 to get everything prepared, so it kinda backfired on me.
Starting today, the Norwich Bulletin is bringing our readers a weekly special where we interview local restaurant owners and chefs to learn more about their story; we re calling it The Local Flavor. Digital Editor Blaine Callahan has reached out to several beloved restaurants to help give them a spotlight during what has been a challenging time for small business and restaurants in particular.
Our first story features Rodney Green, owner of Olde Tymes restaurant in Norwich. With 37 years under his belt, Rodney s got plenty to share of his travels and experience, as well as what has kept Olde Tymes successful for so long.