Johnny Adilinis: Tributes flow for owner of Golden Gate Cafe in coastal NSW

·

Tributes are flowing for beloved cafe owner Johnny Adilinis, who passed away after a brief and unexpected illness on Tuesday, January 17, aged 92.

For over 70 years, Mr Adilinis, the owner of the Golden Gate Café, was an icon of the Central Coast suburb of The Entrance in New South Wales.

He’s such an icon, in fact, that according to The Daily Telegraph there is talk of establishing a permanent tribute for him at The Entrance.

(L-R) John Adilinis, his sister Lola Raft and her husband Dennis ran The Golden Gate Cafe at The Entrance. Photo: Effy Alexakis from the “In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians” National Project Archives, Macquarie University

His great niece, Theresa Raft, said news of his sudden passing was “overwhelming” and she had been contacted by many people wanting to express their condolences.

“We’ve had three generations of families contact us, he knew everyone, he had nicknames for everyone. It is the end of an era,” his great niece said.

Mr Adilinis, who came to Australia in the 1940s, worked in Golden Gate Café after his sister Lola and her husband Dennis Raft purchased it in 1952. Before that, the place was owned by Nick and Thea Lourandos.

Photo: Therese Raft/Facebook

It was in the 50s, the “golden era” of The Entrance, when Johnny bought a share in the café.

Families would visit the Golden Gate Café, opposite the Prince Edward Theater, for milkshakes, popular pineapple crushes and lollies. Mr Adilinis was famous for his generosity with them.

The café was closed recently due to COVID-19 restrictions, before being permanently shut when Mr Adilinis officially retired.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Bridging academia and diaspora: Dr Ifigeneia Dosi’s research visit to Macquarie University

Macquarie University’s School of International Studies recently welcomed Dr Ifigeneia Dosi, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics.

A lifetime at Kingsgrove North: Dianne Tsitsos’ 40 years of dedication to students

For over 40 years, Kingsgrove North High’s Dianne Tsitsos has inspired generations of students with her warmth and passion.

Young filmmakers shine at inaugural Greek Film Festival of Sydney competition

The next generation of Greek Australian storytellers took centre stage as the 1st Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition debuted.

Eugenia Mitrakas wins Australasian Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award

Eugenia Mitrakas, principal of EMR Mitrakas, has been recognised as a winner of the prestigious Australasian Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award.

Ten years of kefi: Oakleigh Glendi 2025 promises biggest celebration yet

The much-loved Oakleigh Glendi Festival returns to Warrawee Park on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas storms into next round of Mexican Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas has taken out Russian, Roman Shafiulin in his premiere at the Mexican Open in Acapulco in straight sets.

Edith Piaf and Dimitris Horn: Their Athens meeting and the passionate love letter

Edith Piaf and Dimitris Horn: Their Athens meeting and the passionate love letter. The Greek Herald shares the history.

Australia’s Matildas charge into Women’s World Cup quarterfinals

Australia's Matildas are through to the FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals after recording a 2-0 victory over Denmark in Sydney.