Villanova, PA – Many small businesses have been dealt a hard blow these past few months, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are struggling to survive, while others have simply shut down. Nova Mediterranean Grill is a fast-casual restaurant with an emphasis on Greek-Mediterranean food that has weathered the storm.
The family-run business is owned and operated by Greek-American immigrant Costantinos Xinos, who was born and lived his early years in Arcadia, Greece. The nine-year-old business at the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Route 320, in Villanova, is dependent on much of their business from the Villanova University campus that surrounds it, which has now become a ghost town.
Costa, along with his mother, Stavroula, is optimistic and has stayed open to feed the community they love and have roots in. “My love of food drew me into the restaurant business, where I found myself meeting amazing people and forming friendships that will last forever. I’m staying positive, and I want to continue to take care of my people,” says Xinos.
Cosmos Philly recently interviewed Constantinos Xinos and followed him on one of his deliveries to Bryn Mawr hospital. His warmth and filotimo for his clients and neighbors were evident in both his interview and business dealings. His confident attitude about life and the times we are living in gives us hope.