Now in retirement, Gus and Sandra Derlis call the Village on the St. Clair home, but for 49 years Gus and his brother owned the Cromwell Grill, an iconic eatery in downtown Sarnia.
Reflecting on his decades serving meals to hungry Sarnians, Gus says the Cromwell Grill’s success can be attributed to its loyal customers.
“We have great support from the community,” Gus says of the diner, which he and his brother Sam began working at in the 1960s after emigrating to Canada from Greece. They bought the Cromwell Grill in 1970 and sold it to an employee in 2019 when they decided to retire.
The Cromwell Grill had previously been owned by their uncle.
“We took over the restaurant and just built it up from there,” Gus says. “It didn’t seem like we had many challenges; we always stayed ahead. It’s nice to hear from customers now that they miss us being there.”
For anyone today considering getting into the restaurant business, Gus has some sage advice.
“Work hard, be honest and treat people right,” he says.
Gus and Sandra have now been together for nearly 50 years. The couple met through mutual friends and they say they have a secret to their happy marriage they want to share with others.
“Always say, ‘yes, dear.’”
Gus and Sandra say they are enjoying life at the Sarnia seniors living community, noting that “the staff are all so great and helpful.”
Village on the St. Clair fun co-ordinator Evelyn Babcock says Gus and Sandra “are truly wonderful people.”
“We’ve built such a strong and positive relationship with them as staff,” she adds.
And what does the couple enjoy most about life at the Village?
“Not having to cook anymore; I would recommend it to anyone,” Gus says.
Asked what is bringing them the most joy in life right now, the couple does not skip a beat.
“Our grandkids and our dog, Rosie.”
If you have a story you would like to share with S&R Today, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
