PORT Elizabeth restaurateur and entrepreneur George Ioannides died yesterday after suffering a heart attack. He was 66.
He is survived by three sons and a daughter.
Ioannides was instrumental in the setting up of the once-popular Zorba’s restaurant, which he had opened with his former wife, Bonny.
He was a member of the well-known Ioannides family who owned a number of cafes in the Eastern Cape.
He first worked in the family business, and later owned a restaurant and burger bar at the Port Elizabeth station before he started building his restaurant business with his first Zorba’s restaurant in Parliament Street.
He later relocated the restaurant to Dolphin’s Leap in Summerstrand, before moving back to Central, this time taking the Zorba name to the now revitalised Stanley Street.
Known as a colourful character, with a very slick way of engaging with his customers, the restaurant became a hit in the city, with his famous lamb shank always a crowd pleaser.
His dishes were renowned and were prepared by some of the best chefs in the city. That and his personal touch were what made him such a huge hit among diners.
He later opened up his own little Greek eatery in Raleigh Street called George’s Greek Taverna, which continued serving delicious meals.
His last business was a guesthouse called Aristotle Bed & Breakfast, in Chalmers Road, Humerail.
Ioannides’s son, Santos, 43, said: “He was the best father in the world.
“Our relationship was relatively close.
“He would never hesitate to help others and always gave to those who did not have.
“I had been out of town and it was a big shock to find out that he had passed on,” Santos said.