Closing Bell: Owner of Tom's Restaurant on Washington Avenue Dies
We are sad to report that Gus Vlahavas, the owner of Tom’s Restaurant on Washington and Sterling in Prospect Heights, died yesterday, according to DNAinfo and OurBKSocial. The Vlahavas family first opened the restaurant in 1936, survived riots in the late ’60s, and watched the neighborhood change dramatically around them. In recent years, Vlahavas was not involved in…
We are sad to report that Gus Vlahavas, the owner of Tom’s Restaurant on Washington and Sterling in Prospect Heights, died yesterday, according to DNAinfo and OurBKSocial. The Vlahavas family first opened the restaurant in 1936, survived riots in the late ’60s, and watched the neighborhood change dramatically around them.
In recent years, Vlahavas was not involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, which is open as usual for business. Did anyone know Gus or want to share memories of him here?
Image via Neighborhood Slice and NYC Media
Very sad. At least he did what he loved.
As far as I’m concerned, the guy who greets you at the door at 8am on a Sunday and gives out slices of orange is most certainly “involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant.”
Such a warm and charming presence. My favorite memories is of him serving orange slices or chocolate chip cookies to everyone waiting on line.
I admire Tom for sticking around and providing a quality food establishment when most White people had long bailed on the area. It would be nice if their family continues the tradition.
My condolences to the family.
RIP to a great man and a Brooklyn institution in his own right. Gus was the consummate host but more importantly seemed to treat his employees like family. My husband was a regular for years and for the last several years Gus comped our meals which allowed us to pay the entire price of the meal in tips to our servers.