Como's Celebrates 50 Years, Recognized by Rep. Sander Levin

For 50 years, Sicilia Grego has been working at perfecting her restaurant, .

“I cooked, I waited tables, I bought the produce, I was the janitor, I cut the meat. It took a lot of years to get the restaurant going," she said.

For 50 years, Grego has watched Ferndale transform from a city barren of businesses, liquor — “I was one of the first places to get a liquor license” — and diversity to one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Michigan, she said.

“LGBT people were not accepted in this community at all; it was a lot different then," Grego said, using an acronym for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. "They did not want someone gay serving food. I said this is what I have, and they are staying; if you don’t want to be here, I am sorry.”

Now that Como’s will be celebrating its 50th birthday Friday, Grego said she is “very proud” of what her restaurant has become.

Grego entered the restaurant business with her husband, George, and has not stopped working at it since. She can be found every night, making sure the restaurant maintains the quality and detail it started with.

“I came to work with the baby (George Jr.) every day. It’s been a long road, lots of hard work," she said.

Today, when you visit Como's, you will find diversity, acceptance and fun, said Grego. “Everybody and their mother (comes in). We have a very diverse crowd. No one looks at anyone, no one stares," she said.

Did she think Como's would still be here after half a century?

“No,” she said simply. "It's been a long road. Nothing easy."

All in the spirit of the restaurant's 50th anniversary, Como's will offer drink specials and food specials leading up to its grand birthday bash Friday, which will feature live music and more party specials. And, of course, everyone is invited.

“Como's has been a longtime favorite of mine,” said Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter, who says he has spent many summer evenings enjoying the atmosphere on the restaurant's patio. “I love Como's.”

Coulter said Como's is a great partner in the community and a great supporter of the community. "It’s a big occasion for a Ferndale business, and I am thrilled," he said.

In a ceremony March 25 to honor the restaurant's 50th birthday, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), along with Coulter and former Ferndale Mayor Bob Porter, presented Grego with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.

Grego thanked Levin after he handed over the flag. "It's been a lot of fun," she said.

"Great, now it's time for Como's chow," Levin said.