KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Longtime Knoxville restaurateur and businessman Bill Regas has died at age 92.
The father of three died Monday in Knoxville, said Janet Testerman, a family friend.
The Regas name is known to generations of East Tennesseans because of the eponymous restaurant that operated at 318 N. Gay St.
Bill Regas' father and uncle actually started the original restaurant further south downtown. His father, Frank, came to America as a young teen from Greece.
Testerman paid tribute to Regas, who she got to know during the 14 years he and her mother were a couple.
"Those who knew him never left his presence without genuinely being told how proud he was of them. He maintained the unique ability to instantly light up a room – radiating a warm welcome, exuding kindness and forever making you feel like the most important person in the place. He never missed the chance to show his support and was perhaps one of the most generous people I knew with his time, treasure and love. I have never known a sweeter spirit who exemplified such true authenticity," she wrote.
For decades the family-operated Regas Restaurant was the daily go-to lunch spot for movers and shakers, and a favorite for birthday and anniversary celebrations.
Diners could always count on seeing Bill Regas and other members of the family when they walked into the foyer. Employees were loyal, with some staying more than 50 years.
Decades before he created Wendy's fast-food hamburger chain, Dave Thomas got his start in the Regas restaurant business.
Regas Restaurant closed in 2010, soon after celebrating its 90th anniversary.
The Regas neon sign remains above Interstate 40 near the Old City. The Regas Square development near the restaurant site gets its name from the Regas family.
Regas' son said a celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday at Central Baptist Bearden: "We all look forward to seeing the entire community then. Please visit www.ForeverMissed.com/BillRegas/about.”
George Regas, Bill Regas' younger brother, died in January at age 90. Their sister Frankie Regas Gunnels died in 2012 at age 84.
The Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. at Central Baptist Bearden.