DERBY – Goodies, a popular eatery in Milford and Orange known for its fried seafood, burgers, hot dogs and all-day breakfast, is coming to Derby.
Goodies’ owner Nick Vlastaris said he’s opening his family owned and operated restaurant in the spot that formerly housed Apollo Pizza at 235 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34).
Longtime Apollo owner Gus Markos closed the pizza place in January. He retired after serving generations of Valley customers his famous Greek-style pizza since 1984.
Vlastaris said he’s shooting for a November opening.
Goodies first opened in 2006 at 170 Cherry St. in Milford, and since opened another restaurant at 111 Boston Post Rd. in Orange. There is a seasonal Goodies snack shack at Gulf Beach in Milford that’s been there for the past 18 years, according to Vlastaris.
“I am excited to bring Goodies here. Derby is a nice little city,” Vlastaris said.
Vlastaris is no stranger to Derby. He owns a building behind the spot where Goodies is coming that houses a rubber supply business. Vlastaris said when he heard Markos was retiring and looking to sell, he decided to buy the building and bring a Goodies to the area.
According to Derby land use records, the building was purchased in February 2025 for $225,000 by Roosevelt 235 LLC. The single-story brick building, built in 1938, is 1,642 square feet and sits on about 0.3 acres.
Vlastaris said the interior of the building is undergoing demolition and there will be upgrades to the exterior. He said he’s waiting on contractors and permits to complete renovations.
“Everybody in Derby has been great to work with,” Vlastaris noted.
Both the Milford and Orange Goodies will remain open, Vlastaris said.
The Derby Goodies will employ about 15 people. Unlike its Orange location, the Derby Goodies will not have a drive-through.
According to Vlastaris, the Derby Goodies menu will be the same as Milford and Orange. It will feature, in part, classic Hummel hot dogs, burgers, clam strips, fish and chips, wraps, salads, cheesesteak grinders, Greek gyros and more. The menu will also feature all-day breakfast, including made-to-order bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles and signature platters.
Derby Mayor Joe DiMartino said he’s excited to welcome Goodies to Derby.
“It will be nice to have a place to go for breakfast on the west side of town, since we don’t have too many spots to get a coffee and breakfast in this area,” DiMartino said. “I’m glad Goodies chose Derby.”
Remy Kocurek, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shoppe & Food Bank, which is located right next door to the Goodies spot, is also excited to have a new neighbor.
“Although we’re going to miss our friend Gus (Markos) and our friends at Apollo, because they were always good neighbors, we’re very excited about a new restaurant moving next door to us,” Kocurek said. “We’ve spoken with the owner Nick, who’s a great guy.”
Kocurek said Goodies will bring new activity to the area.
“When their bellies are full, they can come over and do some shopping here,” Kocurek said.