Springfield Then & Now: From Crystal Restaurant to Season’s Bistro

Pictured is the interior of the Crystal Restaurant, 36 S. Limestone St., in the early 1920s.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Pictured is the interior of the Crystal Restaurant, 36 S. Limestone St., in the early 1920s.

Pictured is the interior of the Crystal Restaurant, 36 S. Limestone St., in the early 1920s.

>> RELATED: Then & Now: Main Street

The Crystal Restaurant was co-owned by the Panos Brothers, Nick and Gus, and their cousin, Gus Mantis. Nick and Gus Panos came to Springfield from Greece between 1909 and 1915. Gus Mantis first settled in Pittsburgh around 1902 before coming to Springfield around 1915 and opening the restaurant with his cousins.

>> RELATED: Then & Now: First Presbyterian Church

The Crystal operated on South Limestone Street until the mid-1930s and then moved to East High Street, where it remained until the early 1950s.

After the Crystal left South Limestone Street, Isaly's ice cream counter was there for ten years. Today it is the home to Seasons Bistro and Grille.

>> RELATED: Then & Now: Fountain Avenue

About the Author