Success
Bill Sarafianos, Owner, The MiLL Tavern in Olde Sandwich Towne
After being laid off from his manufacturing sector job, a career he had built over a 28-year period, Bill Sarafianos made up his mind that he was going to try his hand at something he loved for a change and when the opportunity presented itself, he went for it and decided to take over an existing small business in a completely new industry. It's been over a year since Bill and his wife Aggie became the proud new owners of the popular Sandwich Towne watering hole known as The MiLL Tavern. These two are naturally gracious and immediately put everyone who walks through the doors at ease. Every bit as warm and engaging as the delightful decor they have created for this 120-year old heritage building, people may come in as strangers but they leave knowing they've become part of The MiLL Tavern's extended family. It's not a restaurant, but there are plenty of suds to go around and the pub grub is good and there's plenty of it. You will note a liberal sprinkling of authentic Greek fare on the menu. That's a mouthwatering part of Bill and Aggie's heritage they happily share with their customers. Mix The MiLL Tavern hospitality with live music and you get an unforgettable experience. The Small Business Centre interviewed Bill about the challenges of running his own business. Here's what he had to say. What is the concept behind The MiLL Tavern? What makes it different from other restaurants/bars in the city? The MiLL Tavern is a melding of the old with the new. The history of Olde Sandwich Towne is something that we must cherish. This building, built in 1880, has gone through so many transformations. It was originally the home to J. Spiers General Store. It has been a clothing store, a meat market, The Sandwich Mill, The Abbey and now The MiLL Tavern. With today's economic struggles, Aggie and I realize that it is much cheaper to buy a case of beer or liquor and stay home rather than have to deal with NO SMOKING, the high price of gas and what not, so we thought it prudent to make The MiLL Tavern a fun, clean and safe environment for people who want to socialize and forget the worries of today, if only for a little while. We have the largest patio on the west side, free parking and free WiFi. The MiLL Tavern features live entertainment, Open Mic, karaoke and a singles night (Meet Market, get it) every week. You will find information on our website www.themillonsandwich.com.
Why a restaurant/bar? What attracted you to this business?
We were not attracted to it. ... IT ATTRACTED US. Aggie and I love to entertain. We always had an "Open House" policy for our family and friends. We used to come to the Sandwich Mill many years back and when our daughters performed here two years ago, we were "at the right place at the right time" you might say. I was out of a job and so we took the chance. The whole family had restaurant/bar backgrounds, and it seemed like the right thing to do.
What are the toughest challenges of running The MiLL Tavern?
The perception of the west side of Windsor is erroneous and that has been a major challenge to overcome. Establishing a regular customer base was another. We are constantly trying to be creative to stay competitive with the other established businesses in the area. Not having a proper kitchen has posed the biggest challenge, but I think we have managed to provide something different by mixing the Greek with the Olde Sandwich Towne.
Do you have any lessons you wish to share with new business owners?
Never be afraid to ask questions from the right people. I never would have been able to do this without the Small Business Centre's assistance and some people in the industry whom I consider my mentors.
Capital is essential to survive the enormous start up costs and hidden expenditures that come up along the way.
Creativity and networking is essential, so always surround yourself with people smarter than you and that have experience. And never be afraid to ask for help.
