George Steve Bilidas
July 15, 1930 ~ November 12, 2016
George Steven Bilidas
(Age 86)
George Bilidas a successful Greek restaurateur and Northern Virginia entrepreneur died peacefully Saturday November 12, 2016 at the age of 86.
George together with his brother-in-law Louis Cholakis turned an immigrant's dream into a successful restaurant business emulating the New York style Diner concept that provided his initial employment in the United States. The Amphora Restaurant was one of the earliest eateries in Vienna and the only 24 hour restaurant of the time. Today, nearly 40 years later, the Amphora restaurant remains a Vienna landmark attracting both new and long time customers. The Amphora empire has grown to include the Amphora Bakery in Vienna, Amphora Catering as well as the Amphora Diner and Bakery in Herndon. Bilidas loved being around people. His constant presence on the floor and engaging personality made all patrons feel like part of the family.
When he was not visiting tables at Amphora, he enjoyed spending time with his large extended family, the lifelong company of friends and traveling the globe.
With the help of his maternal Uncle, young George at the age of 21 emigrated to the United States from the small village of Magoula outside Sparta, Greece. He worked tirelessly in his early years to help support his family and pay for his three sister's dowry. He later successfully brought his family to America. George had the good fortune of seeing his sister Athena, marry his best friend with whom he partnered early on to operate Rolling Road Restaurant in Vienna and The Lake Ann Inn in Reston.
Bilidas never lost touch with his roots in Greece or his Greek Orthodox faith. He visited his ancestral home often through the years to connect with both family and friends. His generous contributions and fundraising efforts helped Assilon Aniaton, a center for special needs in Magoula, St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the advancement of Hellenism and orthodoxy in America as a member of the Leadership 100.
Survivors include his wife Bess Bilidas of 60 years, his son Steve Bilidas, daughter in law Denise Bilidas, his 6 grandchildren, his great grand daughter and his sister Eugenia.
Relatives and friends are invited to George's Life celebration at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Sunday, November 20, from 3-5 PM. A Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, VA 22041 on Monday, November 21 at 12 PM. Interment will follow at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
(Age 86)
George Bilidas a successful Greek restaurateur and Northern Virginia entrepreneur died peacefully Saturday November 12, 2016 at the age of 86.
George together with his brother-in-law Louis Cholakis turned an immigrant's dream into a successful restaurant business emulating the New York style Diner concept that provided his initial employment in the United States. The Amphora Restaurant was one of the earliest eateries in Vienna and the only 24 hour restaurant of the time. Today, nearly 40 years later, the Amphora restaurant remains a Vienna landmark attracting both new and long time customers. The Amphora empire has grown to include the Amphora Bakery in Vienna, Amphora Catering as well as the Amphora Diner and Bakery in Herndon. Bilidas loved being around people. His constant presence on the floor and engaging personality made all patrons feel like part of the family.
When he was not visiting tables at Amphora, he enjoyed spending time with his large extended family, the lifelong company of friends and traveling the globe.
With the help of his maternal Uncle, young George at the age of 21 emigrated to the United States from the small village of Magoula outside Sparta, Greece. He worked tirelessly in his early years to help support his family and pay for his three sister's dowry. He later successfully brought his family to America. George had the good fortune of seeing his sister Athena, marry his best friend with whom he partnered early on to operate Rolling Road Restaurant in Vienna and The Lake Ann Inn in Reston.
Bilidas never lost touch with his roots in Greece or his Greek Orthodox faith. He visited his ancestral home often through the years to connect with both family and friends. His generous contributions and fundraising efforts helped Assilon Aniaton, a center for special needs in Magoula, St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the advancement of Hellenism and orthodoxy in America as a member of the Leadership 100.
Survivors include his wife Bess Bilidas of 60 years, his son Steve Bilidas, daughter in law Denise Bilidas, his 6 grandchildren, his great grand daughter and his sister Eugenia.
Relatives and friends are invited to George's Life celebration at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Sunday, November 20, from 3-5 PM. A Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, VA 22041 on Monday, November 21 at 12 PM. Interment will follow at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY. MY PARENTS , MR AND MRS . SPYRIDON CHAKALOS , WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING THE BILIDAS FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS. A VERY RESPECTFUL MAN WHO ALWAYS HAD THE TIME TO SAY HELLO TO US , WE WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.