Community Honors Tom's Owner Gus Vlahavas for 6 Decades of Kindness

Neighbors, customers and politicians came together today to give Gus Vlahavas, the beloved owner of Tom's Diner, a grand send-off as he prepares to move to Colorado.

Speeches were made, the national anthem was sung, home-made confetti was thrown, cake and Lime Rickys were consumed and the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band performed.

“I have known him since he has been on this block since 1954 and he has been everything to me. And I will surely miss him,” said one woman to the crowd of about 50 adults and children.

Councilwoman Letitia James, who organized the event with a neighbor of Vlahavas' and many volunteers, recounted how during the 1968 riots, area residents of all races formed a human chain around the restaurant to prevent looting. 

"And In the wake of the riots ... many other shops moved away along with their clientele, but not Tom's," she said.

"We acknowledge the role of Gus and the restaurant as an anchor for the neighborhood," she added. "Gus gave the restaurant his service ethos, his sensibility and his human charm." 

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz congratulated Vlahavas for bringing so many tourists to Brooklyn to eat at the restaurant, as well as making the diner "a second home to countless Brooklynites."

The Principal of , Elif Gure-Perez, told the crowd that Gus and his wife, Nonnie, helped sustain her during the first few difficult years heading the school.

"Immediately after meeting me, he gave me a wonderful big hug (and) told me that things are going to get tough, don’t let anybody push you around, stick it out and you will make your school a huge success. I believe in you – do not disappoint me," she said.

"Since then, every time the going gets tough, I take a quick escape to Gus’ place, order a Ricky Lime, he gives me a pep talk and sends me on my way," she said. 

She added that after the earthquake in Haiti hit, Gus sent platters of food, "day after day, day after day," knowing that 316 has a large population of Haitian teachers.

"This is how Gus takes care of us, takes care of everyone who walks in through the doors of his space," she said. "This is how he gives back to the community."

Vlahavas thanked everyone for coming, the focused on his love for the neighborhood.

"You couldn’t live in a better area than Prospect Heights," he said. "And it’s not made by the terrain, it’s made by all the people that live in it." 

When the ceremony ended, one by one, people came up to Vlahavas to hug him, take pictures with him, and wish him well. 

"I didn’t expect anything at all," Vlahavas said afterwards. "It was truly wonderful."

Check back tomorrow for a photo essay from the event, and in coming days for a video of the Brooklyn Step Marching Band and a look back at six decades of Tom's.