There isn’t much that can compare to a nice, warm, delicious meal. I believe that the only thing that can beat a nice dinner is perhaps a friendly, family atmosphere to go along with it. This commitment to a welcoming atmosphere is why Costas Inn is continuously rated highly by all who dine there. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making you feel at home while eating there. These high ratings are, in part, thanks to General Manager and Owner Pete Triantafilos, who, despite the hectic nature of running a Bar/Restaurant, treats every patron who enters as if they were family. The Greater Dundalk Chambers of Commerce had the pleasure of sitting down and interviewing Pete Triantafilos about his business and what a day in his shoes looks like.
Interview with Costas Inn and Pete Triantafilos
1. Question: How long have you been with Costas Inn?
Answer: I have been with Coasts Inn for over 40 years.
2. Question: What is your current position at Costas Inn?
Answer: I am currently the General Manager / Owner.
3. Question: What are some of the biggest challenges you face during the day to day of running a restaurant?
Answer: Every day is a different challenge. Some days the biggest challenge is just running the typical day-to-day operations of Costas Inn. Other days I struggle with fitting in reservations and parties. When it comes to running a restaurant, it is hard to list a single “biggest” challenge any single day can hold. Every day I never know what situation or event may cause the most issues.
4. Question: In your opinion, what is the best aspect of working in the restaurant industry?
Answer: Getting to meet our patrons. I thoroughly enjoy meeting our customers and forming lasting relationships with them. When I continue to see the same faces come through our doors, I know that not only is my staff performing wonderfully, but I am as well. It lets me know that Costas Inn still confidently serves and provides lovely meals and a family atmosphere for its patrons.
5. Question: If you did not have to work, would you still come into the office? Why?
Answer: Without a doubt. I am incredibly passionate about what I do and hope to continue to assist Coasts Inn with its day-to-day operations as General Manager and Owner for a while to come.
6. Question: What made you want to join the food industry? What was your inspiration for getting involved with Costas Inn?
Answer: When I turned seventeen (17), I joined my family in running Coasts Inn. I began small but eventually started making changes and additions to the menu and the business as a whole. I would say my inspiration for joining the industry would be my family. Working with my dad and family for the last 50 years has been a wonderful experience and means the world to me. All the credit goes to them. Without their vital foundation, nothing is where it would be today. To be a part of it and working together is the most rewarding experience I could ask for.
7. Question: How has Costas Inn been affected by the COVID – 19 pandemic? What are some of the hardships you faced as a business, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: When it came to COVID – 19, Costas Inn faced many difficulties. First and foremost, we struggled to retain our employees working and our restaurant operating without any indoor seating. Thankfully, we were able to keep our doors open due to our carryout, allowing us to save 65% of our staff working. When the COVID pandemic struck, it caused many issues, not just for Costas Inn but for all restaurants. Not only were certain food items in limited quantities, but it also caused the prices of other food items to increase. Things were difficult and frightening for a little while there, but we kept our heads down and continued to adapt to the situation in order to stay afloat during the pandemic.
8. Question: How can people get in contact with you or with Costas Inn?
Answer: You can find us through our website, where you will be able to place orders online, or give us a call, (410) – 477 – 1975. Also, feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Serving Dinner with a Family Atmosphere
If you wish to take your family out to dinner, if only to spend time together, go somewhere you will be treated like family. Dine at a restaurant that has serves dishes as warm as its friendly atmosphere. Costas Inn is more than a restaurant and bar; Costas Inn is a place where you can come together to celebrate your accomplishments and feel like the whole restaurant is celebrating with you. The Dundalk Chambers of Commerce would like to thank Costas Inn and Pete for the time, patience, and continued effort they put into making sure the Dundalk area is as friendly and family oriented as can be.
