Greeks of Melbourne are mourning the death of Konstantinos Tsoutouras, who passed away at the age of 93.
Mr Tsoutouras is known as the creator of the iconic Greek restaurant, Stalactites, on Lonsdale Street, one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Melbourne.
The restaurant, which is an institution in Melbourne’s culinary scene, has been frequented by many well-known celebrities. Recently, Greek tennis ace Stefanos Tsitsipas was known for creating his signature souvlaki at the establishment.
Barba Kostas, as he was known to many, migrated to Australia in 1968, from the village of Zoupena-Agioi Anargyri in Laconia.
He got to work in the rag trade before opening a Fish and Chips shop which lead to the creation of the Zorbas chain of restaurants and other establishments.
READ MORE: Family-owned Greek restaurant Stalactites awarded Lord Mayor’s Commendation
It was Stalactites, however, which drew the most attention when it opened with great success in 1978. A 24-hour restaurant it was a favourite haunt of many. Queues would gather until the early hours, and it soon became part and parcel of Melbourne’s nightlife.
A kind and generous Greek Australian, Barba Kostas helped other businesses in need.
These days, his restaurant is run by his granddaughter Nicole Papasavas and her husband Lazaros Papasavvas, along with his daughter and son-in-law Maria and Epaminondas Konstantakopoulos.
