John Kouretas is preparing dinner like it’s 1980 all over again.
To celebrate his family’s second go at owning Paine’s Restaurant in Hollister, Kouretas is offering a signature steak and lobster plate this month for $19.80 as a throwback of sorts.
“Because 1980 – that’s the year we started,” Kouretas said.
His family first bought Paine’s from the original owners, Delmer Paine and his family, who had operated the restaurant for decades before that. This time around, Kouretas bought it back from Tony and Lorraine Garcia, the couple who purchased the business from Kouretas about six years ago. Kouretas and his family officially took over again July 17, he said.
Running a restaurant is nothing new for Kouretas, who has been working in the business since he was age 15, after which he developed his style under top chefs in the Bay Area. While his self-described signature might be sauces, Kouretas said the focus at Paine’s will be quality food and customer service, along with a good helping of local wines.
“That’s my goal. I’m trying to get all the local wines,” he said.
Those offerings will pair with the continental menu featuring French, Italian and American items. As for the environment, Kouretas has hung new paintings on the wall and plans to do some remodeling as well. His daughter, meanwhile, is running the restaurant’s bar area.
“Our main thing is to bring this back to a family restaurant,” he said.
