Entrepreneurism

The Greek American-owned diner and candy store are iconic features of the American landscape and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Greek Americans. Journalists and social workers in the early twentieth century routinely noted that Greek immigrants were eager to go into business for themselves, often forgoing, or quickly moving on from, the large factories and mines where most immigrants made their living.  These fledgling businesses were often family affairs in which financial resources and labor were pooled to make a successful business. 

These small, family-owned businesses, like military service, were an important way in which Greek immigrants became part of the fabric of American life. While businesses in “Greektowns” served a mainly Greek clientele, often Greek-owned businesses relied on the patronage of their non-Greek neighbors. In restaurants, grocery stores, and candy shops across America, Greek immigrants and their children began to form long lasting relationships with their American neighbors and become part of the wider community.

George Phillos worked in his family’s candy shop and meticulously documented the shop’s elaborate window displays as you can see here.