BUCKS COUNTY, PA. — Family, friends and the local community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are mourning the loss of longtime Cypriot-American restaurateur and businessman Kyriakos “Charlie” A. Christou, who died at the age of 68.
According to a report by Patch.com, Christou died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 22, after a career spanning approximately 45 years in the restaurant industry.
Christou came to the United States as a refugee from Cyprus with, as his family said, little more than hope for a better life. Through hard work and perseverance, he built a successful career while also passing his love of the restaurant business on to his two sons, Michael and Anthony.
During his decades in the industry, he built businesses as well as close relationships with employees, customers and members of the local community.
“For him, it was never just about the restaurants. It was about the people — the countless employees, customers, friends and community members who became part of his life and, in so many ways, part of our family,” his family said in a statement.
His loved ones described him as an exceptionally kind and generous man who took a genuine interest in the people he met. “Everyone who knew him loved him, and his warmth, generosity and love for others will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him,” they said.
His sons, Michael and Anthony, are continuing the family tradition, owning and operating Ardana Food and Drink restaurants in Newtown and Warrington, as well as KC Prime in Warrington. All three locations will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 29, as the family honors his memory.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey, followed by burial at the Newtown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Kin Wellness & Support Center, which supports cancer patients and their families in Bucks County.
Dining and Cooking