A packed house welcomed Alexandria Pizza and Steaks to the neighborhood this past week as Nick Sfirakis planted his newest eatery, this one having a special place in his heart.

“I love the small town and I love the people here,” Nick said of deciding to locate his restaurant near Alexandria. “Plus the town is called Alexandria, named after a great Greek, Alexander the Great.”

Nick, who hails from Greece, moved back to America in 1976, coming here for a better life.

“I love this country,” he said. “I love America.”

Nick has a string of restaurants, one in Woodbury, Tullahoma and Winchester. “After 42 years you better know what you’re doing,” Nick laughed of being in the restaurant business so long. His restaurant offered a wide array of dishes along with pizza and steaks.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be running lunch specials every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The restaurant does carry outs also and can be reached by calling 615-529-2881. They are located at 33840 Nashville Highway near the Alexandria intersection.