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Pocono News Section
Water Gap Diner Reopens
Water Gap Diner Reopens - Friday, May 21, 2010 at 04:01AM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday May 21 2010
DELAWARE WATER GAP, MONROE COUNTY - Lunch was bittersweet at the Water Gap Diner Friday. Owner Jeff Ioannidis described his mood as, "Very happy and a little bit sad."
He was happy because the diner reopened after two months of reconstruction.
He was sad because he said the diner should have never had to close. An arsonist set the building on fire in march. Jeff's father Regas Ioannidis was severely injured in the blaze and later died. He was seventy-one years old.
Watiress Despina Hatzakosremarked, "It was pretty devastating."
Jeff toldEyewitness Newshe's sure his father is looking down on the diner and trying to send him a message. He laughed that the message is "Continue!" He explained, "That's what he would tell the guys, continue, just move on. Don't let it get to you."
Regas lived by idea that people should continue no matter how tough things get.
And that's what his family did with the help of the community. Volunteers tore down damaged parts of the building and helped re open the diner. Jeff said, "People i don't even know came to help and i really, genuinely appreciate that and i definitely want to thank them for it."
Customers want to thank them too. John Martone couldn't wait for the diner to re open. He said,"Ithink it means a lot to the local people that come in here for coffee and congregate."
The staff is also happy. Hatzakos smiled, "I t's good to be back."
Regas Ioannidis started the business nearly twenty-five years ago. His family hopes to continue his legacy far into the future. Jeff said, "We've been through so much already that we just had to get this done. I can't explain it." | | |
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