The Issue:

As moms, dads, grandparents, and siblings, we work hard to keep our kids safe—from checking playgrounds to trusting local businesses.   For over 25 years, 77 West Main Street (Hiller's Pizza) has been linked to a troubling history of risk, based on convictions in 1998 and 2025.

• Founder Petros Sismanis was convicted in 1998 for indecent assault on a 19-year-old employee at his business.
  In 2018, he was brought before the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen to address allegations of his “unacceptable behavior” (minutes published in Aug 2025, with redactions)
• In 2025, he was convicted for indecent assault on a teenager in Hiller's basement—plus witness intimidation.   He is currently serving a 6-month jail sentence, and the risk remains due to his history.

Within our community, Sismanis has been involved in sponsoring our kids' Hopkinton High teams (football, lacrosse, girls soccer, robotics) and events at the Center for the Arts and the Hopkinton Police Association, consistently focusing on children’s events.

The Sismanis family supported him throughout, aware of his convictions and behavior.    As recently as 2023, they continued hiring teens after his arrest while he was on bail and maintained his innocence.    At the August 5th Select Board meeting, Sophia Sismanis called her mother a victim, shifting the attention from the victims Sismanis assaulted.

We seek answers:    Why has the Select Board continued to renew the Hiller’s Pizza license since 2018?   Here’s what we know:

• At the 2018 executive session of the Select Board for charges and allegations of “unacceptable behavior” at 77 W. Main Street, the Board stated they hold business owners to a “higher standard”,  yet renewed the license (4-1 vote).   Why?
• It appears the town never documented CORI checks, even though it’s listed on the renewal application. Why?
• In 2023, the Hopkinton Independent reported his 1998 conviction, yet the Select Board renewed again in 2023 and 2024 after his January 2023 arrest.  Why?

Mr. Sismanis has shifted management to his wife, Eleni.  Once free, he could return to Hiller's, and she has no obligation to publicly disclose private share transfers back to him or publicly notify if he starts working there again.   With 70-80% of assaults on minors unreported,  we worry for our children’s safety if they are exposed to a two-time convicted sex offender.

What Can You Do?   Sign this petition to request denial of Hiller’s Pizza new Victualler  License application and revocation of the existing Hiller’s Pizza license, share with friends, and attend the Select Board Public Hearing September 4, 2025 at Hopkinton High School.   Together, we can make our community safe for our kids.

Contact your Select Board via Email -  selectboard@hopkintonma.gov.    

Sources: Court records (1998/2025 convictions), Hopkinton Independent (2023-2025), August 5 Select Board minutes, 2022 Vic License application renewal, 2018 executive session minutes, RAINN (unreported assaults).