Two longtime employees at Manor take over as Fotiadis family steps back from operations

WEST BOYLSTON — After 25 years as owners of The Manor, and later The Draught House Bar & Grill, the Fotiadis family is passing the operation of the business to two chefs who have worked for the family for several years.

Savvas Fotiadis, who owned and operated the banquet facility and restaurant with his sister Katerina Fotiadis-Rajotte and brother Antonios (Tony) Fotiadis, confirmed that as of Oct. 1, the business is being leased by chef Frensis Ushe and sous chef Franci Kulla. The men have the option to buy the business within three years. 

There will be no menu or staffing changes at either business, according to Fotiadis. “It will be business as usual.”

The Fotiadis family opened The Manor in 1997 and The Draught House in 2013 at 42 West Boylston St. Savvas Fotiadis had owned Dean Park Pizza in Shrewsbury before purchasing The Manor. He also at one time operated the Grill on the Hill at Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester. 

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Fotiadis said in 2021 that the family had discussions with Camping World Holdings Inc., located next door to The Manor, about the company buying their property. 

“After about six months of negotiating, Camping World pulled away,” said Fotiadis. “That’s when we began talks with our management team about our next move. We even at one time thought about opening a smaller restaurant. 

“We’re very happy that the chefs have taken over,” said Fotiadis. “They know the businesses and our customers very well. They’re talented, dedicated and hard workers. The Manor and The Draught House are in good hands, and I remind the chefs that I’m only a phone call away.”  

Fotiadis said he still is a little numb about leaving the day-to-day operations. “The Manor and The Draught House were a big part of our lives, but we knew it was time for a change.” 

He said his sister will enjoy more family time, and his brother will get to go to Greece more, where he has a second home.  

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Fotiadis and his wife, Janet, who also worked in the business, also plan for more family time and travel.

“We have a new grandbaby to enjoy,” said Fotiadis.

Active in the community, Fotiadis is a member of the Shriners, Rotary Club and the Masons. For years, he has volunteered at an orphanage in Uganda, helping to raise money with fundraisers held at The Manor. He helped to build a kitchen at the orphanage and he will be in Uganda next week to work on plans to build a clinic.  

Living next door to the business, Fotiadis said customers may see him in the business from time to time.

“It’s difficult to say goodbye for all of us,” he said. 

In a recent Facebook posting, the Fotiadis family wrote that it was with excitement and a heavy heart that they had to announce they would be slowing down, but that they felt blessed the perfect management team would continue to run the business.  

“We will miss all our customers who have become such a huge part of our lives. Serving this community has been an honor and a blessing,” they wrote. “We look forward to seeing you on the other side of the bar, where we can toast to our new chapter in our life.”