It’s been roughly 50 years since George Dimopoulos moved to the states to make a new living.
When he moved to the U.S. he didn’t speak English. Dimopoulos had not graduated college, in fact, growing up in post World War II Greece going to high school was a luxury his family couldn’t afford him.
These days Dimopoulos is a business owner. He is the proud owner of George’s Senate Coney Island in Northville, Mich. He owns several other restaurants but he’s never forgotten his roots.
“It was hard for us, especially after World War II,” said Dimopoulos. “I was young, you know, we didn’t have much food.”
Which is why it makes perfect sense that he gives back each Thanksgiving. Roughly 12 years ago he began a tradition of serving up a Thanksgiving day meal to anyone that was alone for the Holidays, another hardship he learned firsthand when he initially moved to the states.
A few years back someone snapped a photo of a sign advertising his Thanksgiving day meal. Before long, it was a hit. These days he buys hundreds of turkeys.
Last year, more than 150 people volunteered to help out. He even gets checks from people all over the country trying to help him continue the tradition. He’s never asked for the money, or the help.
“It’s a great day,” said Dimopoulos. “I like to feed people, I get to make them feel happy. I have the extra money, so I can help people that need the help over the Holidays.”
This year the restaurant will have an extra tent attached to house an extra 120 people.
Hundreds are expected to come between opening and close.
“I had one guy come in here,” explained Dimopoulos, “he says, the turkey was excellent. He says, ‘The last time I had a turkey was 12 years ago.’ That’s a sad thing, I always feel bad.”
In recent years Dimopoulos’ meal has changed. It’s no longer for people who are home alone, it’s for people who don’t have the money to spend, don’t have the time to cook a turkey or for any reason. There’s no question asked.
“I think it’s a great idea, you know?” said one diner. “More people should do it.”
The man’s wife said, “that’s why we support this restaurant, because they do stuff like that.”
This year there will be even more people giving out turkeys. Dimopoulos’ grandchildren will be involved in cooking. His youngest, just 1-year-old, will greet the folks who stop in for a meal.
The grandfather, grateful for everyone who stops in on Thanksgiving, said he hopes everyone learned something from the opportunity. If he has it his way the tradition will last many years beyond his lifetime.
