Philadelphia, PA – The Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia took us on a nostalgic journey through the history of Greek Diners and Restaurants in the Delaware Valley on Saturday. Black and white and color museum-quality images covered the walls of the University of Arts Solmssen Court, spanning one hundred years of Greeks in the food industry. “To date, this is our most extensive exhibition about the Hellenic experience in Philadelphia, and we are very proud to share it with the community,” said Co-chair of the event and Vice President of GAHSP Chris Kotsakis.
The event also featured a seventeen-minute film highlighting the evening with many interviews with diner and restaurant owners from Greater Philadelphia. The film, created by its media partner Cosmos Philly, was applauded and praised by attendees. “We believe that this film is a cornerstone of our communities history. And we are always looking for a way for Greek-Americans to come together. We also wanted to honor those that came before us,” said Eleftherios Kostans, Co-founder of Cosmos Philly and the Media representative of GAHSP.
Attendees from the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware) were also treated to an exhibit hall decorated with photographs, historic menus, diner memorabilia, and a slide show that welcomed them. A jukebox playing vintage music and a coffee countertop, created by GAHSP board member Telly Vasiliadis anchored the room – adding to the atmosphere.
Following the film presentation, diner and restaurant owners were invited and announced to speak at a panel discussion. They shared their stories and family journey in the industry. The evening concluded on the Solmssen Court exhibition hall steps with a group photo. That historic moment united and honored many of the exemplary individuals and their families that helped build the foundation of the Philadelphia Greek community.