This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Local Restaurant Owner Realizes, Lives 'American Dream'

Greek food, owner's dream live on at Santorini Taverna in Fort Lee.

Coming to America 37 years ago with a strong desire to be an entrepreneur one day, a passion for food and a love of people, Angelo Rizos in 2009 opened at 2020 Central Road in Fort Lee. Today he enjoys exposing people to the beauty of Greece, his native country, through its cuisine and signature hospitality.

Angelo fulfills his dreams every day by demonstrating that passion and bringing joy to people’s dining experiences.

Leaving with the title of "Captain," which he held for 13 out of the 26 years he was with Palm Court in New York City’s Plaza Hotel, Rizos came back across the bridge to the town he had made his home to realize his own "American Dream."

Santorini Taverna, a gem along restaurant row on Main Street, was opened with the business sense of always making sure the (sea)food was fresh and tasty, having good and reliable service and making sure the ambiance is serene.

The restaurant itself was created with great imagination; it has a creatively decorated bar and a beautifully designed aqua ceiling with images of Greek Gods designed by a Mexican artist.

“I have passion for food and people and wanting to expose people to the beauty of Greece," Rizos said. "I have a passion for hospitality and bringing joy to people's experiences, and that's what I think I do everyday at Santorini Taverna.”

Having experienced top-quality food, ambiance and service at Palm Court, Rizos said it's what he strives to provide for his customers in Fort Lee.

“I’ve lived in the borough for 36 of my 37 years in this country, and love the town," Rizos said. "I enjoy pleasing people and knowing that I have given them a great, romantic experience, along with sending them home with more than full bellies.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

After three years in business, Rizos said he's improved his restaurant "100 percent," and that business is going as strong as ever without a decline.

"It has only gotten better,” he said.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Along with such success come plans to redesign the restaurant's already substantial outdoor seating patio, a one of a kind in Fort Lee. In Rizos's grandiose plans, new benches, tables and flowers will be installed with climbing vines surrounding the patio.

The patio will be called the “Secret Garden” and should be completed by the end of April, Rizos said.

Support is a big part of a business's needs. Rizos said he has a great staff and a great family, and that his wife helps out at the restaurant as well.

The current state of the economy hasn't had much of an impact so far, Rizos said. 

“I understand people are more money-conscious so I try to price my menu reasonably," he said. "With the quality of food that they receive, I believe they get a good deal for their buck."

He added that establishing any new business, especially a restaurant, and especially given the economic climate, is not easy. It takes a lot of time and energy to establish and distinguish yourself and your business. But Rizos says now that he has become more and more settled, he feels "the restaurant is a favorite among town-goers."

In for lunch, out-of-towner, Nellie, remarked at just how "delicious and excellent" the food was.

"I always enjoy the food; it feels like a home here," said longtime customer Pete. "The boss always makes me feel comfortable. I always find myself coming back. The owner treats you like a family member."

Juan, a cook at the restaurant, said, “I enjoy cooking for Santorini; working with the boss is great.”

Rizos said, “We have a handful of waiters and cooks. We train, so that they have a great knowledge of the menu, and serve the food in the best way so that our customers are satisfied.”

Going forward, Rizos is looking forward to the completion of Redevelopment Area 5, a subject of contention among other borough residents. He feels it will add to the overall beauty of the borough and elevate it.

“My restaurant and the others along Main Street are sure to benefit from a boost in the local economy," he said. "I also look forward to the warmer weather, when people can enjoy sitting out on the patio to enjoy the new ambience I create.”

Rizos believes that having a positive outlook, having confidence in your product, being ambitious and believing in what you do is the key for anyone in business.

"If you don’t have a strong vision in mind on how to succeed through the hard times, you won’t," he said. "Thanks to the wonderful opportunities that this country provides, I was able to live out an ‘American Dream’ in a sense."

For reservations, call 201-947-2055.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?