Management Profiles

Andy Leventakis immigrated to Canada from Greece in 1966 to pursue a better life for his family. His wife came to Canada four years later in 1970 to join her husband. They had no previous education in owning a restaurant or operating a business, but at the time they were young entrepreneurs that were eager to make some money. The two found work in different areas of the work force and after a few years living in Canada go into the hotel business. Andy and Elaine ran this business for a few years which was quite successful, but when the original owner of Hooksey’s decided to leave in 2000 and the opportunity for the Leventakis’s to have their own business opened up, they ceased the opportunity.

Hooksey’s was originally considered strictly a Fish n’ Chips restaurant that did not offer a big variety on their menu. The general look inside was very “tacky” from what Andy and Elaine’s son, Peter, described and wanted for their business’ look. The restaurant had fake lobsters, fishermen’s nets, and lobster traps hanging off the wall. The family decided that they wanted to portray more of a family-oriented style restaurant, so in their first year of operation they renovated the restaurant. They also decided to keep the original name Hooksey’s Fish ‘n Chips because they felt that the restaurant already had an established name in the community, an one that customers were familiar with. After the renovation was complete the menu was closely examined and they decided to add more varieties of food for the customers. A breakfast array was also added to the menu which aided in bringing in more clientele because they were open longer hours throughout the week.

Also, the restaurant re-did the back kitchen area and bought new tables and chairs for Hooksey’s. Andy, one of the three store managers, also hired additional staff for his restaurant including the help of his son Peter who has been working with his mother and father since they owned the restaurant. One other big change that the Leventakis’s made to Hooksey’s was that they would only serve fresh ingredients on their menu; this ensured no frozen or previously frozen food would be served at the restaurant. All of their produce and ingredients would be delivered fresh daily. Fast forward several years ahead and you will see Hooksey’s as one of the most successful family run restaurants in Durham Region. Not much on their menu has changed either as they still offer a great selection of home style meals, catering to requests from consumers. In the past year their menu board has been re-done to update their overall image inside the restaurant, but other than that Hooksey’s has been operating the same way since Andy and Elaine Leventakis took over in 2000.