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.
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.
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
