Photo by Brett Dunlap John Coe is the new owner of the Great Steak Grill at the Grand Central Mall. He bought the business in July from Kiki and Francis Angelos.

VIENNA — The new owner of the Great Steak Grill at Grand Central Mall wants to continue the formula that made the eatery popular for 12 years.

Local businessman John Coe bought the business in July from Francis and Kiki Angelos.

“We are now just up and fully running,” Coe said.

Coe is retired from Wood County Schools where he worked for 30 years, 23 years as a director in the central office. He owns half of an analytical lab and manages rental properties.

“The food business is something I have never been involved with,” he said. “It was intriguing and interesting. It is fast-paced. You have to be able to multi-task. Those are the things I like to do.”

The business employs 19 people.

“We are keeping most of the same staff,” Coe said. “My plans are to be personally involved with the business through Christmas. I have some excellent people coming aboard that will be handling the business. I will then go back to my other two businesses and work them.”

Great Steak Grill is not part of the Great Steak Escape franchise formerly in the mall. When that business closed, the Angeloses built the new business.

The Angeloses own the Chick-fil-A and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels franchises. The couple owned and operated the former Olympic Deli for 18 years in Parkersburg. Francis’ father, George, and uncle, Pete, operated Angelos Brothers confectionery in Parkersburg for about 50 years.

After years in business, the Angeloses thought it was time to scale back a little. They like to travel and spend time with family.

“I know John is going to do a good job,” Kiki said. “He is a hard worker. From the beginning, he wanted to learn the business and was very determine to learn everything about the business.”

Coe is looking forward to the challenge.

“This is my third successful business venture,” he said. “I am looking forward to an exciting Christmas season and an exciting year and starting yet another career.”