O'Neill's Fine Food & Spirits

O'Neill's was located at 118 W. 5th St (between Tryon and Church). It was a popular Irish bar owned by Mike O'Neill. It was in operation throughout the 1980's. The above picture is from 1983.

Gus' Central Diner

Mid-40's aerial of the 1500 block of Central Ave (diner in center)

Close-up of the diner from the top photo

Mid-40's ad - great interior shot!

Gus' Central Diner was located at 1509 Central Ave (near the intersection of The Plaza & Central). Run by Gus Thevaos, the diner ran from the 1940's through the 1960's. The diner was originally a street car and was converted in the 1930's and moved to the Central Ave location.

Gus' son Peter notes about the aerial photo - "It was the mid 40's during WWll. My dad's diner is in the center, 'Gus' Central Diner' (1509 Central). To the right was my uncle John's Ice Cream Store. Our house in the background and dad's 42 Ford Coupe is in the drive. To the left is Ed Garmon's Pure Oil Station, now Fuel Pizza. Across the street on the corner is Harris Clothing Store. Next door was Harris Bros. Grocery Store (Pre Super Market, pre Harris Teeter). Pic and Pay and Family Dollar started later a few doors up Central. There was also Fred May's Hardware Store and Hahn's Bakery and a parsonage that Rev. Sink I believe and his family lived there. The Plaza Theater was a block East.".

Much thanks to Peter Thevaos for the great images as well as his recollections of the diner and the area!

Southpark area 1994

An interesting look back at the various eating options in the Southpark area in 1994. Good list of the then-tenants of the Southpark Mall food court as well.

Thanks to Beth Nackashi for providing the scans for this post!

Sandwichess

Sandwichess opened in 1980 at the corner of Kings Dr and E. Morehead St (current site of a map shop). It was owned by Nick Panos - he had had previous success across the street with the popular 20th Century Fox Disco. Sandwichess would prove to be very short-lived-closing after just a few years. Nick's biggest success would lie ahead with Nickyo's Rodeo on Providence Rd.