22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024
Greek lineage inspires
Story by Allyson Kelly
HUMPHREY ’ S AMERICAN GRILL
The widely acclaimed movie ‘ My Big Fat Greek Wedding .’ has a cooking scene where the family cooks vie for the best cook title , mixed with shouting and laughter . That scene was the inspiration for the owner of Humphrey ’ s to venture into the business of restaurateur .
George Spentzos , a Greek American , considered the scene out this movie as normal , due to his family who are all part of the success of his business .
“ My family loves to cook and we have a great time doing it ,” said Spentzos .
This businessman was born and raised in Corpus Christi , Texas . Following his graduation from Mary Carol High School in 1985 he enrolled at Sam Houston State University and fell in love with the Huntsville community .
“ I ’ ve always been independent and when I got to SHSU I needed to figure out college and get a job to pay for my college expenses ,” said Spentzos . “ I was able to find a job bartending at Jolly Fox .”
He did not know that this job would lead to discovering his passion , combined with his inherited strong work ethic , Spentzos Later became the Operating Manager for the club .
The Jolly Fox is a night club that has operated in Huntsville since 1973 . It is stable in the Huntsville and SHSU community . Mike Fox initially opened the club . The club saw its transition through all the dance eras .
Spentzos successful work ethics continued for several years at the Jolly Fox , and he dropped out of school to work full time . However , he returned to college and graduated in 1992 with a degree in Business Finance .
“ After graduating I was on a mission to figure out what to do with this degree ,” said Spentzos .
“ The cooperate world was not my ‘ cup of tea ,’ so I stepped out on faith and purchased an existing restaurant , Humphrey ’ s in March 2000 and I knew I had found my calling .”
THANK YOU
FOR VOTING US # 1
Thousands of Wines • Hard-to-Find Spirits Hundreds of Craft Beers • Texas Family-Owned Since 1962 Lower Prices • Bigger Selection
®
Store selections vary .
WINES · SPIRITS · FINER FOODS
SPECSONLINE . COM Cheers to Savings ! ®
Store selections vary .
22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024