Family Tradition Lives On at George’s on 2nd

By John Grossi  |  Photo (right) by Monique Kuhlman

If you knew my parents, I want you to feel like you’re still sitting at their restaurant. And if you’re new in town, I want you to feel like you know someone. You are family here. That’s what Greek hospitality is all about,” says Nicky Clair, owner of George’s Greek Café on 2nd Street. “Everyone is welcome, and the more the merrier!

Nicky Clair, owner of George's on 2nd

A Little History

Ever since the first George’s Greek Café opened in Long Beach in 1999, the restaurant has become not only one of Long Beach’s most popular eateries, but a true family business and American success story. Founders George and Rodoula Loizides, originally from the Greek island of Cyprus, as young adults moved to Africa (modern-day Zimbabwe). There they opened a storefront and raised sons Jimmy and Rip, and daughter Nicky. However, when civil war broke out, the family fled to America; the children at this time aged 15, 13, and 10. Nicky reflects on how her parents left everything behind, being allowed only $100 per person to their name.

That’s right—with just $500 and nothing else, the family fled Zimbabwe to embark on a new life in Long Beach.

Rodoula, a renowned cook among family and friends, worked as a cafeteria cook at Wilson High School and George worked at a deli to support their children through the school years. As the kids grew older, Jimmy—the elder son—encouraged and convinced his parents to open a family restaurant serving Rodoula’s Greek recipes. The rest is history. For 20 years, George, Rodoula, Jimmy, Rip, and Nicky ran one of the most successful restaurants in the city, eventually expanding to three locations. George became famous for personally greeting almost every patron who walked into the location on Pine, and Rodoula’s recipes became household favorites throughout the city.

George and Rodoula Loizides

In 2019, George and Rodoula passed away just six days apart from each other. Then COVID hit. When her brothers decided it was time to move on from the business, Nicky felt a calling to keep the Belmont Shore location and run that restaurant just like her parents did, as a tribute to their legacy.

Carrying On The Family Tradition

Nicky now greets patrons at the door of George’s Greek Café on 2nd Street about five days a week. Just as her parents once were, she’s the heart, soul, and face of the family restaurant and runs a hands-on operation. While raising her family in Long Beach, Nicky is also a member of the local business community, Greek church, Long Beach Greek Festival, and a familiar face all around Belmont Shore. 

Many of the long-time family employees continue to work at her restaurant on 2nd Street as well. These include head chef Miguel, who has cooked at George’s for 18 years; Manager Mike, who’s been there 20 years; and Simon, one of the original servers who began with George and Rodoula when they opened in 1999.

Nicky has modernized the 2nd Street restaurant’s look a bit, bringing in a stone backdrop reminiscent of her parent’s village in Cyprus. As for the menu? “It’s pretty much the same as when my mom first made it,” says Nicky. “The crazy thing is, sometimes I will add a new item or a special, and they are still my mom’s recipes. She cooked so many dishes at our family gatherings, there are still some that haven’t made the menu!”

If it’s been a while since you had (or if you’ve never tried) their Lamb Chops, the Saganaki (flaming cheese), their traditional Greek Salad, or Chicken Spinachi, this summer is the perfect time to head to Belmont Shore and experience the second generation of a Long Beach classic!