From watching her parents excel as entrepreneurs, Chrysoula Christodoulou had always dreamed of opening her own business. She had worked for her family’s multiple businesses, including a donut shop and breakfast establishment, for many years before taking a leap of faith with her husband, Eirinaios “Reno.” Together, they purchased Parker House of Pizza in Gardner, Massachusetts, and have enjoyed fruitful careers as entrepreneurs and community leaders.
For the past 19 years, Ms. Christodoulou has excelled as the co-owner of Parker House of Pizza, a popular local restaurant specializing in pizza, pasta, calzones, burgers and seafood. The restaurant also sells such foods as salads, gyros, subs, wraps and various kids’ meals. In her entrepreneurial role, her responsibilities include managing the financial aspects of the business, including bookkeeping and payroll, and handling food preparation, such as making doughs and sauces. Helping to run the business is a vibrant team of staff, who remain dedicated to providing their customers with the highest-quality food and service.
Ms. Christodoulou’s efforts have earned Parker House of Pizza several commendations, including a Most Dependable Award from Gardner Square Two and three Best Pizza in Gardner awards. She notes that the restaurant’s success has been made possible by her employees doing everything from the heart. Her delighted customers are able to feel the positive energy and love from the restaurant staff, which she knows is the reason for such strong community support and love. Through her business, Ms. Christodoulou feels particularly close to numerous customers who now feel like family. Likewise, she is proud to live in and be a member of the greater Gardner community.
Dedicated to her local community, Ms. Christodoulou is proud to give back through Parker House of Pizza by supporting several nonprofit organizations. She is proud to be able to have Parker House of Pizza be a sponsor for the annual Breast Cancer Walk, CAC, Crystal House of Gardner and the local Little League. Additionally, Ms. Christodoulou is involved with the Cultural Center Hrisohorafiton Alexander the Great, Inc., an organization that assists Worcester County residents of Greek descent through scholarships, citizenships and cultural endeavors, and Gardner Square Two, Inc., a nonprofit organization supporting downtown Garner businesses. In addition, she is a frequent donor to a youth center and high school in Gardner, as well as several other charities.
Outside of work, Ms. Christodoulou enjoys spending time with her husband, who is a former professional soccer player. Together they have three children, Ioannis and twins Christos and Irene, all of whom are in college. Born in Greece, Ms. Christodoulou remains close to her roots through her membership with the Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Before entering the hospitality field, Ms. Christodoulou earned an associate degree from Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1999. Subsequently, she worked as a paralegal at a law firm and has also gained professional experience working at a bank. Looking toward the future, she hopes to experience the continued growth and success of her business. In addition, she plans to venture into franchising and intends to keep the business a success as a worthy legacy for her children. To learn more about Parker House of Pizza, you can visit the website at https://www.parkerhousepizza.com/.