"The Zaharakako decorated their emporium in a grand turn-of-the-century style with two onyx soda fountains, a Tiffany-like lamp, a 50-foot mahogany backbar, intricate wood and brass works, and an Italian marble counter. At some point, the brothers expanded their sweet offerings to soda water (an innovation at the time) flavored with syrups and ice cream cones. One of their prized acquisitions - and clientele favorite - was a 1908 Welte Orchestrion, a self-playing organ, similar to a player piano, that imitates a several-piece orchestra."
"Although Lewis left the business in 1914 to open his own confectionary, Zaharakos stayed in the family for three generations. In 2006, however, the business took a downturn, and the remaining family decided to sell their beloved Welte Orchestrion, but shortly thereafter, Zaharakos was forced to close. The Zaharakos (affectionately called "the Greeks" by Columbus residents) had been integral in the community, and a group of concerned citizens considered purchasing the ice cream parlor. But then entrepreneur Tony Moravec stepped in and decided to restore Zaharakos to its former splendor."
Zaharakos opened in 1900 in Columbus, Indiana, after Greek siblings emigrated from New York following 1898. The confectionery featured ornate turn-of-the-century fixtures including onyx soda fountains, a Tiffany-like lamp, a 50-foot mahogany backbar, intricate wood and brass work, and an Italian marble counter. The brothers expanded offerings to soda water flavored with syrups and to ice cream cones. A prized 1908 Welte Orchestrion provided musical entertainment. The business remained in the family for three generations. After a 2006 downturn and a brief closure, entrepreneur Tony Moravec undertook restoration efforts to revive the parlor.
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