The Simeonidis brothers arrived to North America in 1963 from the small farm town of Drama, Greece and settled amid the quaint mining town of Thompson, Manitoba Canada. In those days there weren’t a lot of choices for immigrants; so the brothers landed jobs working for the Nickel Mines of Inco. After several long hard laboring years they saved enough money to follow their passion for good food, wine, and the ultimate dining experience opening the first Santa Lucia Restaurant in 1970. Within the year, business was so brisk that the help of Sevasti, Anna, Val, and Helen was required. The wives cooked, while the men walked the dining room insuring each customer had the dining experience worthy of a repeat visit to Santa Lucia. In 1975, the brothers ventured to the big city, opening the first Winnipeg location, and eventually opening seven restaurants.