Giorgio’s Family Restaurant is mourning the loss of its founder, Chef George Lampros, whose passion for food and community built the establishment into a local institution. Chef Lampros passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and community connection that has spanned more than two decades.
Chef Lampros, a proud Greek immigrant who fulfilled the American dream, opened Giorgio’s in 1999. Starting as a small 12-seat deli, the restaurant expanded over the years into a bustling 130-seat full-service establishment, complete with banquet and catering services. In 2008, Lampros further enhanced the dining experience by integrating WineStyles of Montclair, a wine shop and bar offering an extensive selection of wines from around the globe.
“Giorgio’s Family Restaurant has announced the passing of its founder, Chef George Lampros,” the restaurant shared in a Facebook post. “Known for his deep care for his customers and community, Lampros was a proud Greek immigrant who achieved the American dream by becoming a U.S. citizen. The restaurant will continue to honor Lampros’s legacy by keeping his vision alive for future generations.”
Chef Lampros was known not only for his culinary expertise but also for his deep connection to the community. Giorgio’s became a favorite gathering place for Prince William County residents, offering Greek Nights, wine tastings, and fundraisers that brought neighbors together and strengthened the local bond. Customers have long appreciated the restaurant’s focus on personalized service and a welcoming family atmosphere, setting it apart from corporate chains.
For more than two decades, Giorgio’s has been a testament to Lampros’s dedication, growing into a cornerstone of Montclair’s dining scene. With over 70 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry, the Lampros family built a reputation for serving gourmet meals with a personal touch, keeping local diners returning time and again.
“To those of you who have been with us before, we thank you for your business and look forward to serving you. To those of you who are here for the first time, we welcome you and hope that you have a great experience,” the restaurant’s statement concludes.
Authorities have released the names of the victims in a tragic house fire that occurred in the early hours of October 4, 2024, in Montclair. Prince William County Police confirmed the deaths of three individuals, all members of the same family.
The deceased were identified as:
- Sameena Begum, 49
- A 13-year-old boy
- An 8-year-old boy
According to investigators, the victims were family members who lived in the home. The father and husband of the victims were at work at the time of the incident. Additionally, a family of three who resided in the basement apartment escaped the blaze before the fire department arrived. All indications suggest that the home’s smoke detectors were functional and activated during the fire.
The cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are still under investigation. Due to the severe nature of the fire, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has joined the investigation alongside Prince William County Police and Fire Marshals. The victims’ bodies were transferred to the Medical Examiner’s Office for formal identification and autopsies.
The initial call reporting the fire came at approximately 5:50 a.m., with units dispatched to the 15700 block of Piedmont Place in Montclair. Upon arrival, fire crews found the two-story home fully engulfed in flames.
An investigation is ongoing.
From Prince William fire and rescue:
3 p.m. update — Three (3) victims have been found deceased inside the structure. Due to the extent of their injuries the Medical Examiner’s Office will need to identify the victims and conduct autopsies. No further information is available on the victims.
This scene is very active requiring an in-depth investigation to determine the events that lead up to this tragedy. The exact cause is under investigation. This has become a joint investigation with the County Police Department since the deaths were unattended. Due to the severity of the fire, the ATF will be assisting.
This will be the final update for today since no additional critical information is expected today.
10:30 a.m. update — Units remain on the scene conducting the investigation. Efforts are still underway to locate the three (3) residents who are still unaccounted for. It has been confirmed there were occupants (unknown number) in the home’s basement that were able to escape the home prior to the fire department’s arrival. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Original post — Units were dispatched this morning to the 15700 blk of Piedmont Place (Montclair) for several calls reporting a single-family dwelling on fire in the neighborhood. Units arrived to find a 2-story single-family dwelling totally involved. Currently crews are attempting to account for the home’s residents. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Updated 1 p.m. — Police have arrested the suspect they said jumped into a man’s car while he was standing outside, stole it, and then ran him over, killing him.
Press release:
Felony Murder| Felony Hit & Run *ARREST – On July 26, investigators were notified that the accused sought in connection to the fatal hit & run crash that occurred in the parking lot of the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex located in the 16400 block of Stedham Cl. in Dumfries (22025) on July 20, was arrested by Virginia Beach City police. The investigation revealed the accused was attempting to steal the victim’s vehicle when the victim was struck causing fatal injuries. At this time, there is no known connection between the victim and the accused. No other suspects are being sought in the investigation.
Arrested on July 26: [No photo available]
Keith Anthony MCBRIDE, 41, of the 7600 block of Helmsdale Pl in Manassas
Charged with felony murder, felony hit & run, and grand larceny auto
Court Date: Pending | Status: In-Custody
Two people were displaced from a home in Montclair after a candle torched a mattress.
Fire and rescue crews were called to the 15200 block of Larkspur Lane at 11:43 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024, for a reported house fire.
Crews learned about the candle igniting a mattress and found heavy smoke conditions on the second floor. The two occupants had safely evacuated the home.
The fire was located and extinguished. No injuries were reported. The Building Official declared the structure was unsafe to occupy. T
The Red Cross assisted the two displaced adults.
The Prince William County fire marshal says allowing an open flame near combustible material is dangerous.
The Fire Marshal’s Office warns against using candles. If candles are used, special precautions should be taken.
He added, never leave a burning candle unattended. Never position a candle where it can be easily disturbed or knocked over.
Keep the candle at least 3’ from any combustible material. Ensure the candle is secured in a sturdy holder that contains and protects the flame. Children and pets should always be monitored near any burning candle.
Bel O’Neill, president of the committee, said the committee’s decision to focus on human trafficking coincided with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. While initially unaware of the national event, the alignment added importance to the local initiative, she added.
A panel comprising experts such as Wesley Dawson, director of the office of community safety in Prince William County, Detective Abigail McLaughlin, with Prince William police special victims unit, and representatives from ACTS and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking.
O’Neill emphasized the importance of bringing professionals from various agencies together to address the issue comprehensively.
The median annual household income in Prince William County is $123,000, $48,400 higher than the national median income.
Considering the stereotype that human trafficking is not associated with affluent neighborhoods, O’Neill emphasized the committee’s commitment to bringing attention to lesser-known issues affecting the community.
The goal is not only to discuss the problem but also to highlight available resources and agencies. O’Neill added that the meeting aims to allow the audience to determine the issue’s significance.
The event, hosted at Montclair Golf Club, follows a dinner program meeting format. Attendees can interact with speakers during the meal and participate in a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation. O’Neill described it as a chance for community members to connect with experts and delve deeper into the subject.
While the dinner meeting costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members or guests, reservations are encouraged. Observer-only seats are also available on a first-come, first-served basis for those unable to attend the dinner. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the panel discussion begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Prince William Committee of 100, a civic nonprofit organization, has existed for 35 years. The group holds community conversations about local matters affecting those who live and work in the county, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities at various locations in the county and cities.
O’Neill mentioned that the committee strives for 100 members, having 42 for the current program year. Membership, costing $40 annually, offers benefits supporting the committee’s mission.
O’Neill encouraged interested individuals to join by attending a meeting, filling out a membership form at the check-in table, or contacting the committee via email. Membership information is also available on the committee’s website.
The Montclair Golf Club is at 16500 Edgewood Drive in Montclair.
“Shooting Investigation – On December 26 at 5:07PM, officers responded to The Landings at Markhams Grant Apartments located in the 15700 block of Tassia Ln in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 22-year-old man was shot inside a vehicle while in the parking lot of the complex. Officers arrived and provided first-aid to the man who was treated at an area hospital with serious injuries. The investigation continues.”
“Shooting Investigation | Hit & Run – On December 24 at 12:38AM, officers responded to the 13600 block of Kingsman Rd in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22- year-old man, exited his home after hearing his car alarm sound and observed the window to his vehicle smashed. The victim then confronted a possible suspect walking down Kingsman Rd who turned and shot towards the victim. The victim then returned to his vehicle and attempted to locate the suspect before his vehicle was struck from the opposite direction by the driver of another vehicle, later determined to be the same suspect. The suspect then exited the vehicle and shot towards the victim’s vehicle multiple times before fleeing the area. Officers located the suspect vehicle unoccupied nearby and determined it was previously reported stolen on December 15. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located. No injuries were reported. The suspect was only described as a black or Hispanic male with a heavy build wearing dark-colored clothing.”
“Armed Robbery – On December 26 at 3:15AM, officers responded to the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a man and woman walked behind the counter and pushed an employee to the ground before taking an unknown quantity of lottery tickets and fleeing. The employee reportedly observed a firearm during the incident. Minor injuries were reported, and no shots were fired. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. The suspects were only described as a tall black male with a thin build and a short black female with a heavy build, both wearing dark-colored clothing.”
OmniRide’s Service Change will take effect on Monday, December 11. The organization will add three new routes from Fredericksburg to North Stafford using the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes extension.
OmniRide will add Stafford to the State Department and Spotsylvania and Falmouth routes to the Pentagon and destinations in D.C.
Some OmniRide Express routes will be renumbered.
– The new schedules will be available online and from bus operators starting today, Monday, December 4.
– Routes not listed below do not have any timetable, route name, or map changes.
NEW ROUTES: (Schedules available here)
- Stafford (Rte 630) to State Department/Washington (541)
- Spotsylvania to Pentagon/L’Enfant/Navy Yard (923)
- Falmouth to Pentagon/Rosslyn/Ballston – with transfer to Crystal City (932)
THE FOLLOWING ROUTES HAVE CHANGES:
OmniRide Express
- Dale City – Washington (D-100) – NOW 971
Timepoint adjustments for AM trips
- Dale City – Pentagon & Rosslyn/Ballston/Crystal City (D-200) – NOW 972
Timetable adjustments for PM trips
- Dale City – Navy Yard (D-300) – NOW 563
- Timetable adjustments for PM trips
- Montclair – Washington (MC-100) – NOW 953
- Montclair – Pentagon (MC-200) – NOW 952
- Lake Ridge – Pentagon/Washington (L-100) – NOW 981
Timetable adjustments for PM trips
- Manassas – Washington (601)
- Timetable adjustments for PM trips
- Gainesville-Pentagon / L’Enfant Plaza / Navy Yard (612)
- Timetable adjustments for AM and PM trips
- Stafford-Pentagon (942)
- Trips added to AM and PM schedules
OmniRide Metro Express
Prince William Metro Express (95)
- Timetable adjustments for PM trips
- Manassas (60)
- Timetable adjustments for AM and PM trips
Contact OmniRide Customer Service at 703-730-6664 or [email protected] for more information.
