- May 1, 2024
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After spotting a restaurant location for rent directly across from Flagler Beach, Palm Coast residents Gus and Tatiana Demertzidis didn’t stay retired for long. They purchased the spot and opened up Thessonalike Diner on Wednesday, Feb, 4, at 509 N Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach.
The two previously owned the Palm Coast Classic Diner in Palm Coast from 2004-2008, until they eventually moved back to New York.
“After going back home, I had a problem where I had to leave, so we sold our restaurant,” Gus Demertzidis said. “So, once we didn’t have a restaurant, we came down here to retire without a restaurant, and we already have another one. When you’re a workaholic, you can’t stay home, so that’s why we’re back here again.”
According to Demertzidis, the two chose to return to Palm Coast because they loved environment, that it is “nice, clean and quiet.” Since its opening, customers from the Palm Coast Classic Diner have already begun to flood the new location.
“They’ve always loved us because they loved the food,” Demertzidis added. “We always give quality, fresh food. Because we prepare everything fresh, our food is special to us. I love when my customers are satisfied.”
Unlike the old diner, the Thessalonike Diner, which was named after Demertzidis’ birthplace in Greece, provides customers with beach-view scenery that even Demertzidis adores and enticed him to get back into the restaurant business.
“It’s beautiful,” he said about Flagler Beach. “I love it myself. I come in every morning and sit by the window to look at the water. I love to watch the waves; there’s nothing better than this.”
Friends of the Demertzidis’s, Flagler Beach officials and customers took part in the grand opening, filling the classical Greek diner that also has a full liquor bar.
“The turnout was pretty good for us,” Demertzidis said. “I can’t complain at all.”
Gus and Tatiana Demertzidis have been in the restaurant business since 1959. Call 439-2981.
