MCLA business student Steve Peltier takes over 44-year Anagnos family business -- Colonial Pizza

Constantine Anagnos, left, and Steve Peltier

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Colonial Pizza -- a 44-year family business has changed hands and the new owner is also a longtime Williamstown resident. 

Constantine and Eleni Anagnos announce they have retired from the Williamstown institution they opened in January 1971. They are pleased to announce that their children: Ted, Sia, and John, as well as all current employees, will remain indefinitely to carry on the tradition under the new operator, long-time family acquaintance and Williamstown resident, Steve Peltier.

"“The Anagnos family built this business out of nothing and has run it for 44 years. It literally put food on their table and thousands of other tables," Peltier says. "I am incredibly honored and humbled that they have entrusted me to keep their dream going for at least another 44 years."

The couple traveled from Greece to the U.S. over four decades ago with a handful of cash, two small children, and one on the way. They settled in northern Berkshire County and opened the original Colonial Pizza in the Colonial Shopping Center. After operating in several locations over the years, including many years on Spring Street, they came full circle to the now Colonial Plaza at 234 Main Street (Route 2).

Peltier has worked in the food and beverage/hospitality industry in Williamstown for over 20 years. He holds a BA from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in English / Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and is also a graduate of the Berkshire Enterprises entrepreneurial training program. He is currently a full-time employee at MCLA and is working toward his Master’s degree in Business Administration through MCLA’s Professional MBA program. 

Peltier lives in Williamstown with his daughter Cassie. His son, Sean, now resides in Rhode Island.  He said he was grateful for the opportunity.

"This is a dream come true for me as well and I appreciate the fact that the kids are planning to stay on indefinitely so we can work together to continue the tradition," said Peltier. "I also expect Constantine to visit from time to time, especially since I plan to have Eleni come in and make her family-recipe spanakopita, baklava, meatballs and other items.”

WATCH CONSTANTINE AND STEVE TALK ABOUT THE CHANGE: