Respect, food and family: The secret to George’s success
Sister Nancy’s niece was visiting from Idaho and she “wanted to take her to some place special” in Metro Detroit.
At the top of her list was George’s Coney Senate Restaurant, which was featured on Greg Wier’s “More Than Just Luck” podcast.
Watch George’s podcast episode
“We’ve been coming here for 30 years,” said Nancy Jamroz, a member of the Felician Sisters of North America. “No. 1, we like George (owner Dimopoulos). He’s a blessed man. No. 2, this place is always very friendly, has good food and great ambience.”
Karen Kopf said her aunt was “greeted with a hug” when they stepped into George’s restaurant in Northville.
“I had never seen that before,” said Kopf, who was born in Ypsilanti before moving to Idaho. “I knew she was in a place that was a second home to her. It was wonderful to be a part of that.”
Watch George’s Instagram episode
‘Genuine compassion’
In 2005, Lori Perna was searching for a home for a caregiver’s dinner with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, affecting more than 15,000 people in Michigan.
She found a home at George’s restaurant.
“George knows that I have MS,” said Perna, the facilitator of the Michigan chapter. “Often times, when he sees me walking in with my walker, he’ll come over to say hello. He has genuine compassion for the people that cross his path.”
‘Staple of the community’
John McLeod said George is “a staple of the community” and “it’s a pleasure to support him and everything he’s doing here.”
A Detroit native, McLeod said he was at Senate Coney Island a few weeks ago for a friend’s wake.
“It was nice to celebrate his life here,” McLeod said. “It had a special meaning for him and his family. George’s faith is rooted in this place and makes it a very special environment. It feels like home.”
‘We’re like family here’
George credits his staff for the restaurant’s success, from the cooks to dishwashers to waiters like Christina Ilias.
“I like working for Mr. George,” said Ilias, who is from Greece. “He’s a good boss. He’s respectful for everybody who works here. He wants to make his customers happy.”
Waiter Vasjan Toshi said “we’re like family here.”
He’s from Albania and recommends Greek specialties on the menu like lamb chops, moussaka and pastitsio.
“George is basically like our father, everybody’s father here, or uncle, you know, and we love it here, yeah.”
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