George Constantinou, Constantinou’s House of Beef, Trolley Square – Restaurant Corner – 1/7/1982

George Constantinou, Constantinou’s House of Beef, Trolley Square

George Constantinou of Greenville – Age 93 passed away Thursday, February 28, 2019 surrounded by his family.

The son of Sophie and John Constantinou, George spent his childhood in Washington DC, and Greece. He then returned to Wilmington, Delaware after the depression. He graduated from P.S. DuPont and Goldey Beacon College. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Ahepa organization (65 years) and Scottish Rite of Delaware.

Encouraged by his fathers love of food and cooking skills, he convinced his parents to open a submarine sandwich shop and named it Sophie’s. Shortly after opening Sophie’s he joined the Army to serve and fight for his country. Afterwards he returned home to rejoin the family business. It was then that he met the love of his life, Priscilla, at a YMCA dance and were married. They worked together side by side and raised five children. After 10 years the family purchased The B&O Restaurant which was renovated and became Constantinou’s House of Beef.

The inspiration for Constantinou’s came from numerous restaurants he visited during his travels through various states. He studied each restaurant and incorporated ideas to fit his concept. George knew that dry aged beef, prime rib and great service by a dedicated staff would be successful but the hospitality was the key ingredient. He met many people from around the world and made many friends, he cherished their friendships. George would say “People and steaks are my hobbies.” He would often joking ask, “Do you know how to make a small fortune in the restaurant business? Start with a large fortune!”

Through the 1970’s he expanded the restaurant by adding 2 more dining rooms and created George’s Next Door. As an entrepreneur he was not afraid of the challenges of change. George’s Next Door was later reconfigured to a new concept and experienced increased success.

In 1986 he sold the business and retired. This allowed him to spend more time with his wife Priscilla and travel to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Panama, Alaska. China and US cities.

https://www.chandlerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/george-constantinou/

From Focus Delaware 1/7/1982

“Focus Delaware” aired on Rollins Cablevision & WNS-TV Channel 2 and WTGI Channel 61 from 1980 to 1987 and was hosted by Bob Weiner.

More info here: https://www.focusdelaware.com/