Ilias Nousiopoulos came to America in 1968 with a dream and vision to provide a future for his family. By 1969 he purchased Deb's Grinder Shop on West Main Street in Norwich and changed the name to Olympic Pizza. As time passed with his hard work and that of his family, his business outgrew his two table pizza shop. In 1974 he demolished the three story structure which housed Olympic Pizza and three apartments at the corner of West Main Street and Mount Pleasant and built a sixty seat restaurant with an extended menu at the rear of the property. His staff grew from two to fourteen, and his children grew, got married and Ilias became a grandfather. One of his greatest joys was seeing his first generation grandchildren help out at the family business. He began investing in properties surrounding the restaurant and in 1985 he built the three story twenty thousand square feet building known as the West Side Complex. To avoid closing down during construction he purchased the former Village Green Cafe out of which he ran his restaurant. The new 3 story West Side Complex housed not only Olympic Pizza Restaurant, but a bank and numerous State and Federal offices for over twenty five years. The family worked the restaurant till selling the business in December of 2001. After the passing of Ilias' beloved daughter in 2002, his mother in 2006 and with his passing in 2008, the family decided to sell the property housing Olympic Pizza Restaurant, only to start a new chapter for the next generations, to continue the family legacy. They leased the old Blockbuster space directly across the street and opened Fat Cat Grill and Bar. Our hope is to continue to provide our community, which supported us through three generations, with the same great food, ethics and work values that were instilled in us through the years. Thank you for your patronage and support. The family cherishes the many friends made within the community and look forward to making new friends at our new location under our new name. -The Nousiopoulos Family
Since we were kids, it was always fun to play with your food. Then we grew up, and we become a bit inhibited. We're going to change that. Here at Sticks & Stones, you'll feel the energy the minute you step into this very interactive and tasty... experience. You'll Immerse yourself with your family and friends to sip, sizzle and dip. Sticks & Stones is a dipping grille that encourages playing with your food while sharing conversation, experimenting with new tastes and enjoying plenty of laughs. You will experience the comeback of the fondue dipping concept. Let the chef suggest a fondue journey complete with a sizzling stone entree, dipping sauces and finish with a dessert of decadent chocolate fondue. What's that sizzling sound? mmmm…. it’s a hot grilling stone so you can sear and sizzle locally grown chicken, sumptuous seafood and Fresh beef right at your table. And let’s not forget the fresh hot breads made hourly in our bakery. Remember the movie Cocktail? We're bringing back the flair with molecular drinks prepared by mixologists who have surprises up their sleeves like mojitos in a large bubble that explodes in your mouth, biting into a layered martini or slurping a touch of airy lime foam off your tequila shots! How about everyone at your table sharing our Lava Lamp - which is a real lava lamp attached to a bowl full of your favorite adult beverage surrounded by dry ice and six straws to share the good times. For those non-dippers, you can order ala carte as our executive chef will prepare these familiar comfort food plates using the freshest ingredients. A gluten free menus is available and we are always willing to accomdate your dietary needs. For our wine lovers, we have a very unique selection of varietals from around the globe specially sourced and paired for you by a professional sommelier, perfect to pair with our fondue. Kitchen Studio You've heard of dinner and a show, how about dinner during a show! We have Connecticut's only fully functioning kitchen TV studio where you will see our nationally recognized chef Sandy Squillante entertain you through your meal as she plays with the guests, prepares funky fresh dishes and makes you forget about the world while you taste her creations. You will also see other surprise cooking events guaranteed to make your night at the "SUN" very hot. Event Center Our facility is large and secluded so you can enjoy a private corporate event or a party fit for a king. Fully wired for sound and video, our giant screens will be perfect for you corporate presentations and meetings or to spend time just watching the big game. And our staff will cater to your guests’ every taste. Sip Sizzle & Dip at Sticks & Stones… Where you immerse yourself with your friends.