THE LAST POST SHOWCASES GOULBRN
HISTORY OF THE PARAGON CAFE GOULBURN
GOULBURN’S HISTORIC PARAGON CAFE
The food service industry is competitive. More than half of new restaurants go broke within the first three years of operation and many others fail in the subsequent years that follow. However, the Paragon Cafe is one restaurant that has well and truly withstood the test of time. It opened it’s doors for the first time in January 1940 and has since become a national icon. For the last 70 years it has been a regular hangout for many stars, feeding everybody from politicians and media personalities to sports stars and entertainment industry heavyweights and the is seldom a person in NSW or Australia wide who doesn’t know the name. Since 1948 the Paragon Cafe has been famous for its extensive a la carte menu and was always a favourite for travellers and locals alike. Often travellers tell the staff of their fondest memories visiting the Paragon Cafe with their families back in its early years. The Paragon Cafe is family orientated and is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7:30am till 9:30pm. Found on the main street of Goulburn, the Paragon Cafe offers tastebud tantilisers from seafood to pizzas and pastas, grills, chicken dishes, salads and a variety of light meals. It is sure to please the whole family. n Goulburn’s Paragon Cafe in 1950
The Paragon Cafe Goulburn has been servicing Goulburn and Australia since the early 1940’s. Travellers along the Hume Highway and Goulburn locals have been enjoying the well maintained Australian cafe atmosphere, great tasting food and friendly service ever since. In January 1940 Jim Sophios and Jack Simos (a bookmaker and silent partner) first opened the doors to the Paragon ‘mixed business’ at 150Auburn Street. In 1948, Steve and June Karagis acquired the Paragon and established the famous and extensive a la carte menu. In 1952, Michael and Cynthia Pandelakis (Spiros) acquired the Paragon. In 1953, Steve and June Karagis reacquired the Paragon. In 1955, the Karkatzis brothers, Jim, Theo and Nick acquired the Paragon. In 1967, the Nissirios brothers (John, George, Nick and Con) acquired the Paragon. In 1971, the Nissirios brothers acquired the Paragon Building In 1980, the Ditsas brothers, Nick, Arthur and Bill acquired the Paragon and extensively renovated the restaurant. In 1983, The Kontos and Ganiatsos families acquired the Paragon. In October 1987, the Kontos family acquired and renovated the building at 174 Auburn Street and moved the Paragon up the street from 150 Auburn Street. In December 1989, the partnership changed, the Ganiatsos family retired and the Fatouros family joined the Kontos family at the Paragon. In April 2007, the Kontos Family acquired sole ownership of the Paragon Cafe. Peter and Maria Kontos and their children George and Anastasia are now the longest owners of the Paragon, 26 years proudly serving Goulburn and Australia.
76 THE LAST POST - REMEMBRANCE DAY / SUMMER EDITION 2014