Little Chef marks 65th anniversary

Customers receive 65% discount on meals

COATESVILLE >> The Little Chef restaurant celebrated 65 years of business on Monday by offering a 65-percent discount to all customers.

The restaurant was decorated with balloons and flowers to celebrate the occasion.

Located on Strode Avenue in the city’s West End, the Little Chef has been a staple in Coatesville for many years as other businesses have come and gone.

The Little Chef first opened in 1953, and is currently owned and operated by three brothers Nick, John and Pete Lymberis, who purchased the restaurant almost 20 years ago, and Sara Lymberis,

Nick’s wife.

John Lymberis said the restaurant was full all day Monday from when they opened in the morning until closing time in the afternoon.

“It’s been a good turnout, I’m very thankful and very

blessed,” he said.

The whole family came out to the restaurant to celebrate, he added.

Olympia Lymberis, mother of Nick, John and Pete, was handing out Greek pastries to customers.

Nick Lymberis said the day was meant to be a way to give back to people in the community who patronize the restaurant. The discount wasn’t advertised ahead of time, so it was a surprise for the customers.

He said it was also a special day because his father passed away six years ago, on Nov. 19 2012, so they wanted to do something to honor his memory. Their father used to take them to the Little Chef as kids, he said, and that’s how they ended up working there when they got a bit older and then eventually buying the restaurant when they grew up.

He said family is important in this business, and they work to make everyone feel welcome as part of the tight-knit community in Coatesville.

Sara Lymberis said it’s nice to see the regulars at the restaurant, and mentioned they recently got a comment on Facebook from a customer who said the restaurant had a family feel to it, like enjoying a meal at grandma’s house.

A regular at the Little Chef, Donna McCoy, even brought in a sheet cake to help share in the celebration.

McCoy said she’s been coming to the restaurant since the ‘80s, and it’s like a second home to her.

She was there with another frequent customer, her friend Rev. E. Lauraine Acey.

Acey said she was first introduced to the Little Chef around 2000 by her senior pastor at the Second Baptist Church in Coatesville when she first moved to the area. She kept coming back, and sometimes even visits the restaurant twice a day.

LUCAS RODGERS - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Olympia Lymberis, and sons, from left, John, Nick and Pete,celebrate the Little Chef’s 65th anniversary Monday.

LUCAS RODGERS - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Little Chef celebrated its 65th anniversary on Monday.

LUCAS RODGERS - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Pete Lymberis prepares food in the kitchen of the Little Chef on Monday.

LUCAS RODGERS - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Regular customers at the Little Chef, Donna McCoy, left, and E. Lauraine Acey, had lunch at the restaurant on Monday during a celebration for its 65th anniversary.