WEST MILFORD Step into the South Shore Grill on Greenwood Lake Turnpike and it feels a bit like vacation. That’s exactly what owner George Petrou was aiming for when he selected a Cape Cod beach theme for his American grill restaurant. “I wanted to create a feeling of rest, so that even spending a limited time here would be relaxing,” he said. Petrou, who is a West Milford High School graduate and has lived in town his whole life, brings 30 years of experience to his new business. From 1973 to 1997 he helped run his parents’ business, Carl’s Diner, which is now the West Milford Diner. Since then, he has worked in the Wayne and Lincoln Park area where he was well known for his catering. Petrou said that over the years he made it a habit to hire Culinary Institute graduates. “I’ve learned as much from them as they’ve learned from me.” He has worked with South Shore Grill’s Head Chef Patrick O’Brien for years. Among the more than 20 other employees of the restaurant are Petrou’s family wife Laura and their three children, the youngest of whom is 15. “I want people to know that when they come in they will be greeted by either my wife or myself and that I’ll be overseeing the meal.” Petrou said even though the business is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner, customers are likely to find him whenever they come in. He likes to talk to the customers and said they are his favorite part of the business. His least favorite part is the paperwork, “which is where my wife definitely comes in.” Although the South Shore Grill has been open for a few weeks, Petrou wanted to wait a few weeks before he made any kind of splash. “We needed a bit of time to work out all the kinks. But, we’ve got it down and we’re ready.” He is starting with an Oktoberfest celebration. The restaurant, located at the former A1 Ranch site, has a clean, airy dinning area and a full service bar specializing in martinis. The menu features pasta, steak, chicken and seafood dishes and daily specials. Entrees for dinner run between $11 and $24, the lunch menu ranges from $5 to $10. Parties from six to 60 people are welcome with advance notice.