Danny's Restaurant

The eponymous Danny's Restaurant, located at 2109 New Garden Road is closed due to the passing of owner Danny Thanos, on January 11th. Danny worked almost every day of his life, since immigrating from Greece in 1938. For the last 40 years, he was in the restaurant business in Greensboro; the first 20 on Wendover Avenue and the last 20 on New Garden Road. You could not find a better, home-cooked, great-money-value breakfast in Greensboro. A classic two egg breakfast, bread, meat, potatoes or grits, and coffee or tea cost under $6. If you were a regular, you know Danny never ventured too far from the cash register, running a tight ship. He made sure people at the bar had their coffee refilled. He also insisted you sit at the bar if dining alone. His wife Maria was always nearby, cooking away in the kitchen. We always loved chatting with her when she took the corner seat at the bar to rest a minute between breakfast rushes.  

Danny loved to golf and loved family beach week over the Fourth of July. He loved the Greek Orthodox Church. He also loved his restaurant. With customers, he was very frank about his opinions and was easy to engage in conversation. Danny was one of those old-school people who could never imagine retiring. At his passing, he was 83 years old and still working full time. Danny's was the "Cheers Bar" of  New Garden Road. Even if he didn't know your name, he remembered you, what you ate,  and had a good idea how long it had been since you were in last. Let's hope someone will re-open the restaurant and keep up the good quality of the food, the good money value, and the good banter with those of us who sit at the counter.

Maria, our condolences. ο Θεός να σε ευλογεί.

Comments

[William Kendall]

Sounds like he will indeed be missed.

[Ernest Thompson]

Sad to see him go. I ate at this restaurant with Noel Myers and Sarah Forhan once in high school. I also ate here with my friend Carter Fourqurean and his dad circa 2017. I remember the place always being packed but the food quantity and portions were good. You didn't ever feel like you were getting "skimped." Living away from Greensboro, I miss these "local institutions." They feel so permanent until one day they're gone!