By John Guerriero | Erie Times-News } Dec. 19, 2007

Erie, NY
For 16 years, George Gourlias has flipped pancakes, fried eggs and cooked up other meals at the iconic Lawrence Park Dinor.

But Gourlias, the familiar figure behind the counter whose diner is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is cooking up something new these days.

The 1948 diner is for sale, and Gourlias, 39, plans to open a new restaurant in Millcreek Township in 2008.

Millcreek supervisors approved the land-development plan Tuesday for Gourlias' restaurant, which will be built at 3557 W. 26th St., the site of the former Coffee Shack. The approval is one of the last steps before a building permit can be issued.

The property is about 100 feet east of Caughey Road, on the south side of West 26th.

Gourlias hasn't settled on a name yet for his new restaurant.

Gourlias, who will own the new breakfast-and-lunch restaurant with his wife, Angjelina Gourlias, 26, said construction will begin in spring 2008, and the restaurant will open by August.

The new 2,240-square-foot restaurant will more than double the size of his diner, George Gourlias said. And he said the new place, with a full kitchen, will feature Mediterranean décor and offer Mediterranean home-style food -- though standard fare like eggs and bacon also will be available.

Gourlias is a native of Greece who was raised in Erie and became a U.S. citizen at 18. He's been running the diner since he was 21, and he said it's time to expand and do something different. "I think I'm ready for something a little more challenging," he said.

The restaurant also would be a few blocks from his home in Millcreek. His parents also live in Millcreek, and his church, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, is located in the township, too.

Gourlias said he's received a couple of offers for the 40-seat diner that's on the nation's list of historic buildings worthy of preservation, but nothing that he believes matches its worth. The diner is listed for sale at $149,900.

Gourlias said his new restaurant will cost at least $400,000. It will seat 65 to 80 people at booths, tables and a small counter, and provide about 25 parking spaces.

Hungry customers at the diner aren't happy about the pending move.

"They're disappointed that I'll be moving, but you have to reach for your dreams," Gourlias said.

Janie Schwab, 55, of Harborcreek, visited the diner Tuesday with her husband, Ralph, and their 3-year-old grandson, Brady Schwab. They eat there once or twice a week, and Brady calls the diner "George's house," Janie Schwab said.

"I love coming here. I love the food. It's convenient. It's like a family," Janie Schwab said.

"I don't know what we're going to do after this," she said. "It just won't be the same."

But Janie Schwab said they will make the crosstown trip to Gourlias' new restaurant, perhaps as often as once a week.

Gourlias said the diner succeeds because of its employees and customers.

Some of the employees might want to join him, though their commutes between home and work will be longer, he said.

And Gourlias said he doesn't think he'll lose his loyal customers.

"I have a feeling that just because we're moving, we're not going to lose touch. I've built some great friendships through this diner," he said.

Originally published online here: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/NEWS02/712190340