The Marinakos family is marking a monumental milestone this month: 50 years of serving Orillia with passion, hard work, and an enduring commitment to family values through their iconic business, Tops in Pizza.
Peter Marinakos, who co-owns the pizzeria with his wife Toni, immigrated to Canada from Greece as a young man. His journey took him from Montreal to Toronto, then Bracebridge, before settling in Orillia in 1974.
It was here that his entrepreneurial journey began as a partner in Rombos Pizza on Front Street alongside Peter Rombos.
In the years that followed, Rombos evolved into Tops in Pizza, expanding to seven locations across Ontario. However, the original Orillia location remained the heart and soul of the business. Now, a half-century later, Peter reflects on his journey.
“If you told me back then that I’d still be doing this 50 years later, I’d say you’re nuts,” Peter, now 74, said with a chuckle. “I can tell you I won’t be here 50 years from now.”
Tops in Pizza has become a beloved institution, serving multiple generations of customers.
“They used to come with their grandfathers,” Peter said. “Now they come with their grandkids. It’s wonderful.”
The secret to their success is quality, consistency, and a strong sense of community, he says.
Toni, 66, emphasized that everything is made fresh in-house, from their signature sauce to the dough.
“We start prepping food at 6 a.m. and work straight through until about 9 p.m.,” Toni said. “We’re dedicated because we want to ensure our customers are treated the same way and have the same experience every day.”
Beyond the delicious pizza, the Marinakos family is known for their generosity. Whether it’s providing meals for first responders, helping those in need, or offering a warm smile and understanding ear, Peter and Toni have made giving back a cornerstone of their business.
“Christmas is every day of the year here,” Peter said.
“We’ve always been taught that no matter how much you have, you share it with your whole family," Toni added.
For the past countless years, the family has spent Christmas Day delivering free pizzas to police, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders.
“It’s the least we can do to thank them for what they do,” Peter said.
Their giving spirit extends to customers as well. Peter recalled a recent moment when a young father, unable to afford a pizza, was welcomed with open arms.
“He came back later to pay, and we thanked him for his honesty,” Peter said.
The couple’s son, Christopher Marinakos, 35, has grown up witnessing his parents’ tireless work ethic and community spirit.
“Working with them on Christmas Day my whole life is something I’ve looked forward to every year,” Christopher said. “Delivering pizza to emergency services and seeing their gratitude is heartwarming.”
While Peter and Toni have no immediate plans to retire, they hope their family business and its traditions will continue for generations.
“We hope someone takes it over who cares as much as we do,” Toni said. “We hope they continue our traditions of a family business.”
As the Marinakos family celebrates this milestone, they remain dedicated to their mission of treating every customer like family and ensuring Tops in Pizza remains a cherished part of Orillia’s community.
“One day at a time, one month at a time, and one year at a time,” Toni said. “We’re still young at heart and have no plans to walk away.”
