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Gus is also currently the Second Vice President of the Manatee
County Hundred Club, an organization that supports the families
of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. “We annually
hold a banquet to recognize the ‘Officer of the Year,’ selected
from one of the nine local law enforcement agencies,” Gus
explains. “We also prepare and serve a free of charge lunch to
over 600 officers and their families each year.”
Additionally, he is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
for the Conquistador Historical Foundation. However, Gus says
his greatest volunteering accomplishment comes from serving
as a member of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society. “This
organization does so much for the community by supporting many
different local organizations,” he says. “My proudest moment came
the year I was president, and with the help of many members, we
were able to raise over $100,000 for the foundation.”
Gus says Demetrios’ Pizza budgets around $20,000 per year
for community contributions to many different organizations,
schools, youth programs and clubs. Every year, the restaurant
prepares a Thanksgiving meal for the Manatee Children’s
Services Grandparents Day. “This is very fulfilling,” says Gus.
“We know that without the great customer support we would not
be where we are today.”
His wife Lisa also has served in many volunteer roles across the
community, particularly when their two daughters were growing
up. “She is fully supportive, and I could not do it without her,”
he adds. In fact, Gus and Lisa just finished hosting a Spanish
exchange student.
Outside of work and volunteering, Gus enjoys spending time
with his family. “My family is the most important aspect in my
life,” he says.
Gus and Lisa have been married for 31 years, and they are
extremely proud of their two daughters, Eleni and Jamie. “Both
are Florida State alumni and are following in our footsteps
by volunteering in their perspective communities as well,” he
gushes. Eleni holds a degree in Economics, Marketing and
Communication, and Jamie earned a Masters in Urban Planning
and Regional Development.
Gus says he also enjoys gardening in his yard. “Every now and
then, I’ll sit on the back porch and enjoy the view,” he says.
“Boating in the Manatee River and surrounding areas is also one
of my favorite past times.”
When asked about the future of Demetrios’ Pizza, Gus says their
plan is simple. “Just keep doing what we are doing,” he says. “We
will continue to support the local schools with their concession
and fundraising efforts. We will continue to support the educators
of our community and our local
heroes in law enforcement and
first responders. Of course,
we will continue to provide
a family friendly affordable
dining experience. Our family
loves this community - what
a blessing it has been to be a
part of it.”