The Mad Greek of Charlotte
Keeping Dreams Alive
History of the Limberakis Family
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 28 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!
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 28 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!