Venus

Venus rising
By Seth Jacobson/ Correspondent
Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Tradition.

    That’s what the Venus II restaurant in Marshfield has always been about since its owners Nicholas and Peggy Drosopoulous opened its doors in 1976.

    After three decades in the business, the torch and business was passed on the Drosopoulos’ sons - Steve, 25, and Dave. 24.

    When they first passed papers on the place, Steve and Dave knew they wanted to make some changes around the place to bring it into the 21st Century.

    Mission accomplished.

    About 500 friends and patrons celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Venus II last Thursday, enjoying the view from the restaurant’s two new outdoor decks and catching the Sox highlights on the new flat screen TVs lining the wall above the new bar area downstairs.

    According to Steve, there’s a lot new about Venus II including a completely remodeled dining and bar area, which now features a granite bar that seats 40, and hardwood floors.

    "That bar is double the size of the old one," Steve said. "We also put in 10 plasma TVs, which we never had down there before."

    He added individual small TVs were installed in the dining area booths.

    "People have told me that they think that’s such a great idea for the kids," Steve said.

    Outside the biggest addition is the two story, ocean view deck which was completed in July making the most of the restaurants close proximity to the Atlantic.

    While traditional favorites including Venus II’s 10-inch pizzas remain a fixture on the menu, 10 new items have updated the offerings along with the addition of a new cocktail and wine list.

    "Those will never change," Steve said of the popular pizzas. "Some things you just don’t mess with."

    And the Drosopoulos brothers aren’t done yet. Over the winter, Steve said they plan to refurbish the restaurant’s second floor, installing two new bars, dartboards and pool tables. They also plan on hosting more live entertainment at the restaurant which has also changed its name from Venus II Family Restaurant to Venus II Restaurant and Sports Bar, to reflect its new image

    Steve described the style of the restaurant as that of American style food with an Italian flair. He added Paul Vecchione, who was once head chef at Venus II, has come back to work full-time.

    Change is not completely new to Venus II, Steve explained. When the family first opened the restaurant it was just a little place that sold pizzas, salads and subs, he said. In 1993, Nicholas and Peggy converted it into a family restaurant and put the building up on stilts to avoid the flooding problems they had faced over the years.

    As to the new look for Venus under the next generation of Drosopoluses, Steve said his parents are very happy with what he and his brother have done with the place.

    "They couldn’t be more proud," he said. "And we couldn’t have done this without all their guidance and support."

    Steve added he’s sure his parents will be around to fill in now and then.

    "They say a captain will never leave his ship," Steve said. "I think that will be the case here and that’s fine with us."

    Steve said it was important to he and his brother to "make a fresh start" and they’re both confident in that decision, based on the feedback from the grand opening.

    "The grand opening was a huge hit and we want to thank the Chamber for their efforts," Steve said. "This whole process of remodeling has been a wonderful experience, even though it required a lot of work. I think we all learned a lot."

    Venus II is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

     For more information, call (781) 837-6369. A Web site will eventually be available but is not online just yet.