A journey that was made by many immigrants was also made by Hippocrates Deligiannis better known as “Lucky” & his wife Anna Deligiannis, Owners of the Bar-B-Q Pit in Sinking Spring. Anna was born in Athens Greece and Lucky was born in Petra Lesvos, Greece.
In August of 1966, they made the epic journey alongside Lucky’s pregnant sister and brother-in-law, they immigrated to America from Greece in search of a better life for their family like many immigrants do. They had nothing but hope and an unbelievably strong work ethic, the family settled in Reading, Pennsylvania, and never wasted the opportunity they were so grateful for which was to achieve the American Dream.
In 1977 they began their business called Crystal Springs Family Restaurant with Lucky’s uncle. It started out as a weekend chicken stand that was born from a coke shed on the property. This grew as a symbol of summertime and outdoor dining and barbecue place. I remember driving past as a young teen and putting my window down just to get a whiff of the smoke that was coming from the parking lot, it reminded me so much of Puerto Rico in the mountains when they do, they pig roast.
Now 44 years later, the business is still going. But some things have changed since Lucky is now semi-retired his two hard-working daughters Georgine Zdravecki and Eleni Deligiannis are keeping the family business going. Lucky continues to be part of the business and stops by to mingle with clients and make sure the customers are happy, but the two daughters are now the heart and soul of that business.
I myself have been going there for so many years now and I just love the way I get treated, they make me feel so at home. It’s no surprise that he has been nicked named Lucky because to have three strong women as he does in his life is truly to be lucky. Talking about his wife. They just celebrated 48 years of marriage and forty-four in business. I can see where that has not been so easy for this family. As my husband and I work together and sometimes it gets messy, but love concurs all and here they are today, still together as a family and pushing through the All-American Dream.
I love that just like us Latinos often do; they brought a little of their country here. Not only with their culture, food, religion, but also teaching the grandchildren the Greek Language here in the states. It makes it a beautiful melting pot. I mention this as when they started the business they stuck to the American basics like chicken, ribs, beans, etc. but now they also have some Greek options such as Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops, Greek Salad (my favorite, it brings garlic bread as well), Greek Pastries & Desserts, Lamb Gyros, Souvlaki Pitas & Flatbreads with lamb and more. However, if you just like beer and wings then this is also your place as well. Now the question is will Lucky ever fully retire?
It’s common for some seniors to dislike retirement. Some continue to work for obvious reasons such as staying engaged and mentally sharp, others to improve their finances and some because they believe they will rest when they are no longer with us. I have a feeling that we will be seeing Lucky hanging out at the restaurant for many years to come. So come out and try some Greek beer, say hello to Lucky and his daughters, and tell them, Rosa, from Palo sent you.
Business Location:
Bar-B-Q Pit
4741 Penn Avenue
Sinking Spring, Pa 19608
610-678-9696
