A young Matt Maroules ate dinner at Christopher’s Café with his friends throughout his childhood — little, innocent, without a care in the world.
He later weighed the option of college versus workforce into early adulthood. And after a few years of exploring, he decided to go with what’s always been in his heart: the food industry.
So now, he works the other end of the table.
The field has a two-fold meaning to Maroules. Sure he loves the restaurant business, but he is the third generation of Maroules men to work at the family-owned Christopher’s, established by his grandfather in 1969.
“My granddad started it from nothing,” said Maroules, one of three brothers, who’s next in line to take the reins. “My family has put so much time and effort into the restaurant, I’d hate to see it fail.”
For two years now, he’s been learning the ins and outs of running the business that began and has remained at 217 N. Queen Street for more than 40 years.
After spending some time at Pitt Community College and working at a hotel, he decided to head back to his hometown of Kinston, asking his dad, Christopher Maroules, Jr., if he needed extra help.
He said Leslie Garriss, his fiancée, also had something to do with his homecoming.
“She kind of motivated me to come back this way so we can be together,” he said. “She’s probably my No. 1 supporter because she’s pretty much doing the same thing; she’s learning through her parents her family business.”
Maroules’ work days vary as he learns to run the restaurant.
“There’s always a curveball,” he said. “I guess that why I like working in the food industry.”
He noted people have a common misconception that because it’s a family business, he gets to slack off.
“That’s not how it is here,” he said. “I try to carry my weight just like anybody else here.”
While he obviously works for his dad, he feels like his efforts are also for his late grandfather, Christopher Maroules, Sr. It’s what keeps him grounded to further the “conveniently” located eatery in the heart of downtown Kinston.
“People can walk here if they have to,” Maroules said. “It’s a good place for a family to come get a good quality dinner without having to reach too far deep in the pocket.”
He said the restaurant has taught him responsibility and to always treat people with respect. And naturally, he wants Christopher’s to be around as long as possible.
“Until I pass away, I’d love to see it here,” Maroules said. “Hopefully, my grandkids could potentially run the restaurant one day.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
BREAKOUT BOX:
Meet Me Monday
Name: Matt Maroules
Age: 25
Fun Fact: Attended both rival schools Kinston High and North Lenoir