Bill and Sophia Piperis, the newest generation of the family to work at U & I Restaurant, stand by owner and founder, George Piperis near a selection of their fine wines. Staff Photo
U & I Restaurant began serving its fresh, hearty dishes to Corpus Christi diners well over 40 years ago. It was founded In 1971 by George Piperis, who still runs the restaurant at 309 S. Water St. in Corpus Christi today. He bases the long success on his philosophy of nurturing an interdependence between his business and the community it serves. This philosophy is embodied in the name of the restaurant — U & I.
In today’s world of texting, this might seem like a form of text-speak, but Piperis came up with the name long before cell phones.
“U & I describes the relationship between the customer and the owner,” he told Corpus Christi Business News. “It is a relationship between you and I. I can serve the community as long as the people come and support my restaurant. So you can’t have one without the other. We truly appreciate our customers. Without them, there is no restaurant.“
Piperis is originally from Greece. He came to the United States when he was 27, living the first few years in New York City. When he traveled to Corpus Christi on a visit, he fell in love with the area.
“Corpus Christi reminded me of home,” he said. “It was surrounded by water and was a smaller city with a simpler way of life [than New York.]”
His entire family became involved in the restaurant business as they grew up and now, as adults, help run the popular eatery.
Sophia Piperis manages the floor, while son, Bill Piperis, works the kitchen as the restaurant’s talented chef.
“They are both very hard workers,” Piperis said. “And they love working with the public.”
Work is certainly one aspect of the business upon which the whole family agrees. Running a successful restaurant takes a tremendous amount of it!
“The restaurant business is like a marriage,” Piperis said. “You have to give it as much attention as you would your family.”
Sophia Piperis agreed.
"This is a seven-day-a-week job,” she said. “We are here at 7 a.m. preparing for the 11 o’clock lunch hour.”
The family proudly offers a broad menu that includes many Greek favorites but also Mexican and Italian cuisine as well as a choice steaks and fresh seafood. U & I boasts unique dishes prepared on an open-flame, mesquite charbroiler.
“The quality of our food is our top priority,” Sophia Piperis stressed. “Everything that comes out of our kitchen was made here from scratch every day — our sauces and dressings — everything.”
Their attention to maintaining a quality, wide-ranging menu is for the customer, George Piperis said. The success of their approach is evident by the consistent stream of patrons reflected in their constantly full parking lot.
“Thank goodness for the people of Corpus Christi for supporting us for so many years,” George Piperis said.
U & I Restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week with daily lunch specials. It offers an impressive wine selection and a full bar. A banquet room is available for booking private parties up to 60 people.
U & I Restaurant 309 S. Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 883-3492
uandirestaurant.com
