George's on 2nd Verified listing

There's only one way to talk about George's Greek Cafe and it's with, well, beginning with George.

The presence of George's Greek Cafe restaurants throughout the region have made it a local staple, if not outright institution, introducing many to the wonders of saganaki and kleftiko, spanakopita and pastitso—and its owner and founder, George Loizides, was so beloved that whenever he would make his annual trek to the motherland, his employees would put out a cardboard cut-out of him, arms wide open, grinning ear-to-ear. It helped patrons who missed him and were awaiting his return feel a bit warmer.

Rodoula Loizides, the matriarch of the family behind George's Greek Cafe, shared a very similar quality with her more sociable, out-in-the-public-eye husband: Like those who knew George called him "Papa," the many patrons, workers, and friends of the Loizides family called her "Mama Rodou." And she passed just five days after George did in 2019.

The loss of George and Mama Rodou in 2019 prompted a necessary re-evaluation of the family business. This led to downsizing, leaving the Belmont Shore location as the sole George's Greek Cafe under original family ownership. Led by daughter Nicky, this location continues to embody the spirit of George and Mama Rodou, ensuring their legacy lives on.

This is the OG George's—and we should treat it as such.

Written and photos by Brian Addison.