The Mad Greek of Charlotte
Keeping Dreams Alive
History of the Limberakis Family
Welcome to the Mad Greek of Charlotte! First and foremost we want to say "ευχαριστώ" pronounced Ef-xar-isto meaning thank you! Thank you for stopping by the website today and we would love if you would come stop by the restaurant and prepare to have the most Authentic Greek dishes you will find here in Charlotte. Come check out our Greek Decor and Paints in the restaurant! Come as you are! No need to get all dressed up. We are a casual dining experience. Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to the Mad Greek of Charlotte! We are well suited with lots of tables inside and a great patio. We have been called "Charlotte's Hole in the Wall" and "Charlotte's Hidden Gem" off S. Blvd in Charlotte.
To start the discussion of the history we have to go back to the early 1970's. The Limberakis Brother's immigrated to the United States from an Island in Greece, Lefkada. Chris and George Limberakis were coming over for some work and better life initially. When they arrived in Charlotte, Chris the oldest oldest out of the two, immediately found work. It was at Athens Restaurant, this was at the corner of 4th Street and Charlottetowne Ave. in Uptown Charlotte. Athens Restaurant was open for 43 years before it closed its doors just recently in 2007. Chris gained a lot of experience from there with the Greek family that ran Athens Restaurant- Nikiolopoulos Family. He learned from the best how to cook up a good meal and fast. During work he would always tell his brother George about how his day went and such and that led them to say and dream one day that they want a restaurant of their own. So October 31, 1991 that dream became a reality. They started managing and running and still run along with their sons and daughters today what used to be Hugo's Diner to now The Mad Greek of Charlotte. Hugo's Diner in the early 1990's was known for staying open late and great American favorites and just a few Greek items(which some items on our current menu still exist!)
In 2007/2008 they leased out the place to a local restaurateur owner of United Nations Restaurant for a short while and everyone in Charlotte was confused and thought it was the same place leaving comments online and everywhere wheres Hugo's? But his business sunk and Chris and George got it back just after a couple months. But they changed the inside and outside of the restaurant to red and orange walls and decor that was not truly aesthetic as you would like. But Chris was now angry at that fact and decided to change the name to the Mad Greek Cafe. Chris became very passionate about what he did and he wanted to bring Greece to Charlotte by offering more Greek dishes and pitas to the locals. No one knew and some still are not aware we are the same people as Hugo's Diner. I Peyton Limberakis am the owners son, Chris' son writing this today to say we are still here! I have worked here ever since we opened and developing this into a well-known favorite with our social media and websites and serving tables just like the good ole days. We have been owned and operated since 1991 and we would like to keep it like that for a long time!
Chris and George have their dream still coming true everyday. Let the legacy of this family live on and prosper. We thank you all for over 26 years of business and hope that you and yours come try us out today! Thank you and please share with all your family, friends, co-workers, bosses, and everyone you know!
To start the discussion of the history we have to go back to the early 1970's. The Limberakis Brother's immigrated to the United States from an Island in Greece, Lefkada. Chris and George Limberakis were coming over for some work and better life initially. When they arrived in Charlotte, Chris the oldest oldest out of the two, immediately found work. It was at Athens Restaurant, this was at the corner of 4th Street and Charlottetowne Ave. in Uptown Charlotte. Athens Restaurant was open for 43 years before it closed its doors just recently in 2007. Chris gained a lot of experience from there with the Greek family that ran Athens Restaurant- Nikiolopoulos Family. He learned from the best how to cook up a good meal and fast. During work he would always tell his brother George about how his day went and such and that led them to say and dream one day that they want a restaurant of their own. So October 31, 1991 that dream became a reality. They started managing and running and still run along with their sons and daughters today what used to be Hugo's Diner to now The Mad Greek of Charlotte. Hugo's Diner in the early 1990's was known for staying open late and great American favorites and just a few Greek items(which some items on our current menu still exist!)
In 2007/2008 they leased out the place to a local restaurateur owner of United Nations Restaurant for a short while and everyone in Charlotte was confused and thought it was the same place leaving comments online and everywhere wheres Hugo's? But his business sunk and Chris and George got it back just after a couple months. But they changed the inside and outside of the restaurant to red and orange walls and decor that was not truly aesthetic as you would like. But Chris was now angry at that fact and decided to change the name to the Mad Greek Cafe. Chris became very passionate about what he did and he wanted to bring Greece to Charlotte by offering more Greek dishes and pitas to the locals. No one knew and some still are not aware we are the same people as Hugo's Diner. I Peyton Limberakis am the owners son, Chris' son writing this today to say we are still here! I have worked here ever since we opened and developing this into a well-known favorite with our social media and websites and serving tables just like the good ole days. We have been owned and operated since 1991 and we would like to keep it like that for a long time!
Chris and George have their dream still coming true everyday. Let the legacy of this family live on and prosper. We thank you all for over 26 years of business and hope that you and yours come try us out today! Thank you and please share with all your family, friends, co-workers, bosses, and everyone you know!
We offer a great dine in experience and a quick take out option for those on the go! We open at 10am daily! Serving Breakfast all day! No matter the time you also can get our lunch and dinner options as well at the early part of the morning and even until 9pm Sunday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 9:30pm!
Ask your waitress or waiter about our Daily Specialities!
Groupon says this about us: "Enjoy an authentic Greek salad at Mad Greek Restaurant in Charlotte, where classic regional fare is featured throughout the menu. Parents, bring your kids along to this restaurant, where you'll find a family-friendly menu and ambience. On warmer days, you can take advantage of Mad Greek Restaurant's al fresco patio seating.
You won't break the bank at Mad Greek Restaurant, with a meal typically hovering below the $15 mark. Craving Greek food? Make your way for some tasty dishes at the Mad Greek of Charlotte."
Did you know we cater?! We are according to Yelp and many customers that we are very accomendating for large groups!
Check out all the links on our website!
Add Photos and Reviews to our Instagram, Facebook, Yelp Page, TripAdvisor,and Google Review Page! We will try to respond and reach back out once you have done so!
We cant wait to see you soon!
Again Thank you for all the support for over 27 years!
Ask your waitress or waiter about our Daily Specialities!
Groupon says this about us: "Enjoy an authentic Greek salad at Mad Greek Restaurant in Charlotte, where classic regional fare is featured throughout the menu. Parents, bring your kids along to this restaurant, where you'll find a family-friendly menu and ambience. On warmer days, you can take advantage of Mad Greek Restaurant's al fresco patio seating.
You won't break the bank at Mad Greek Restaurant, with a meal typically hovering below the $15 mark. Craving Greek food? Make your way for some tasty dishes at the Mad Greek of Charlotte."
Did you know we cater?! We are according to Yelp and many customers that we are very accomendating for large groups!
Check out all the links on our website!
Add Photos and Reviews to our Instagram, Facebook, Yelp Page, TripAdvisor,and Google Review Page! We will try to respond and reach back out once you have done so!
We cant wait to see you soon!
Again Thank you for all the support for over 27 years!