Memorial Service Held For Uptown Cafe Owners In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The community is mourning the loss of the owners of a popular Arlington Heights restaurant. Georgios and Georgene Avgeris, longtime owners of Uptown Cafe, died within days of each other. The Elk Grove Village residents owned the East Miner Street breakfast and lunch spot for 33 years.

"[The proud business owners] worked side by side with Georgene’s father and brother. They delighted in truly getting to know their customers and watching their families grow over the years," an obituary from Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church reads.

The church, located in Palatine, hosted a visitation and funeral service Wednesday for the couple. According to the obituary, interment is at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, also in Palatine.

The couple is survived by two children and seven grandchildren, as well as several siblings and Georgene's father, Dino Kavanthas, 89.

Georgene's brother, Dimitri Kavathas, who works at the restaurant along with their father, told Daily Herald that the family will continue to run the restaurant. Uptown Cafe was closed Wednesday, but was set to reopen Thursday. He also said Georgios, 64, died Friday after a long battle with ALS, while Georgene, 63, passed away on Monday night.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in their names to the ALS Hope Foundation or Toys for Tots would be appreciated. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095.