In Waukesha, Wisconsin, Sunset Family Restaurant isn’t just known for its delicious meals; it’s celebrated for its heartwarming community spirit. For owner Hristos Katravas, the legacy of his late brother, Vasili “Bill” Katravas, lives on, inspiring acts of kindness that resonate deeply within the community. Recently, this spirit was beautifully exemplified when Sunset Family Restaurant generously paid the bill for a large group of Waukesha South High School students with special needs.
This act of generosity touched the hearts of Katie Donahugh and Rebecca Thomas, special education teachers at Waukesha South High School. They had brought their “Independence Crew,” a class of 15 students aged 14-18 with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other impairments, to the restaurant. These students, many of whom are non-verbal and low-functioning, are part of a program designed to build their life skills and community independence.
“We are focused on helping them become comfortable and confident in community settings,” explained Katie. Rebecca added, “We use outings like this to practice essential life skills, from ordering food and practicing table manners to understanding social cues in a restaurant environment.” For the non-verbal students, these outings are crucial opportunities to practice communication through pointing and other non-verbal cues, skills they learn and refine in the classroom.
Sunset Family Restaurant was chosen for its proximity to the school and accessibility via public transport, making it an ideal location for the students’ learning excursion. On this particular day, the students were putting their menu navigation and ordering skills to the test. Each student had brought their own money to pay for their breakfast, but when the bill arrived, totaling $300, owner Hristos Katravas stepped in with an unexpected and incredibly generous offer.
“The owner approached us and simply told us that the meal was on him,” Katie recounted, still touched by the gesture. Both teachers expressed immense gratitude for the kindness and open-heartedness shown by the staff and owner of Sunset Family Restaurant towards their students. Adding to the warmth of the day, the owner’s daughter, who served their table, contributed half of her tip back to the students, enabling them to enjoy a celebratory ice cream treat. “It truly made for an exceptionally joyful day for everyone,” Katie shared.
This remarkable act of kindness is deeply rooted in the personal experiences of the Katravas family. Vasili Katravas, Hristos’s brother, who passed away at the age of 72 on October 16th, had Down syndrome. Over a decade ago, Vasili moved from Greece to be with his family in Waukesha, as his mother could no longer care for him. He became an integral part of Sunset Family Restaurant, finding joy and purpose in simple tasks. Niki Katravas, Hristos’s daughter, fondly remembers her uncle Vasili’s routine: “Every morning, he would diligently set out with his cart of ketchup bottles, placing one on each table. It was his cherished task, something he truly loved doing.”
Vasili was more than just helpful; he was a beloved figure to the restaurant’s regular customers. His friendly greetings and genuine warmth created a welcoming atmosphere. “He loved interacting with people,” Niki recalled. “He would approach tables, greet guests in Greek, and say ‘Hey, we are friends, I know you!’ He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people.”
For the Katravas family, Vasili was the heart of their family. “We all loved him deeply,” Niki emphasized. “Vasili taught us so much. He showed us the profound impact individuals with disabilities have and the valuable lessons they bring into our lives. They teach us to appreciate simple joys and to love unconditionally.” Niki believes her uncle, and others with special needs, are here to guide us toward a deeper understanding of love and happiness found in everyday moments.
Niki beautifully articulated the perspective her family has gained from Vasili’s presence in their lives and now, from the Waukesha South students visiting their restaurant. “Growing up with my uncle has given us a unique insight and appreciation,” she explained. “Witnessing the students brings us immense joy and serves as a beautiful reminder of my uncle’s legacy. It fills our hearts with love and reminds us of him.”
Despite a seemingly serious demeanor, Niki assures that her father, Hristos, is deeply touched by these interactions. “Customers sometimes ask me what’s wrong with my dad, thinking he looks upset. But I tell them, ‘No, he’s actually having a wonderful day!’” His outward expression may not always reveal it, but Hristos’s actions, like generously paying for the students’ meals, speak volumes about his compassionate nature and the enduring impact of his brother Vasili’s life on Sunset Family Restaurant and the Waukesha community. Sunset Family Restaurant stands as a testament to the power of family, community, and the simple yet profound act of kindness.
