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Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant

After nearly 30 years at the helm of It’s Greek to Me, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos has announced his decision to step away from the restaurant.

Newly re-elected Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos is stepping down as the longtime owner of It's Greek to Me.

Newly re-elected Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos is stepping down as the longtime owner of It's Greek to Me.

Photo Credit: Paul Vagianos

Vagianos shared the news with mixed emotions, reflecting on the deep connection he has fostered with Ridgewood since moving his family to what he calls “the most wonderful town in America.”

“It’s been an incredible ride,” Vagianos expressed. "Little did I realize that when I moved my family to the most wonderful town in America that I would be in a business that became my passion for almost 3 decades."

Vagianos was re-elected as mayor alongside Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron with 28.85% of votes and 28.10% of votes, respectively.

Vagianos said he plans to embark on new adventures in the next chapter of his life alongside his wife, Jeannie.

“I am happy to say that I am leaving the dance with the same girl I came with,” he said.

It remains unclear whether the restaurant will close permanently or transition to new ownership.

Vagianos invited community members to join him for a farewell celebration at the restaurant at 21 E. Ridgewood Ave., Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

It's Greek to Me was founded by siblings James and Stacy Papavasiliou, who were both born in Greece and moved to the United States in 1960, the restaurant's website says.

Along with their mother Ero, the Papavasilious opened their first restaurant in 1986 in Cliffside Park, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors and family recipes to North Jersey. 

It's Greek to Me has locations in Fort Lee, Clifton, and Ridgewood.

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