60. The Ariston Cafe, Litchfield, IL

THE ARISTON CAFE

The Ariston Cafe located in Litchfield, IL, is the longest continously operated family restaraunt along Route 66.  Established by Pete Adam, a Greek immigrant who arrived here in America in 1905 at the age of 15.

Hear the whole history of The Ariston Cafe by the founders son, Nick Adam.  At 85 years old, Nick tells about how his father arrived here in America with no clear vision and worked in a wide variety of occupations from managing a Boston shoe shining parlor to working in a Colorado mine.  

Even before considering the restaraunt business, Pete returned back home to Greece in 1919 to help fight the Greco-Turkish War.  After the war, Pete returns back to America and his life would change forever when a complete stranger offers Pete $1000 to open up a Greek diner.

Highlights from the show include:

• The arrival of 15 year old Pete Adam to America

• Decision to return back to Greece to join the war effort

• Pete tries to make it again in America a second time

• The Candy Kitchen Days

• A total stranger gives Pete an ultimatum
• 1924 Ariston opens up
  • Past guest, Phil Gordon, recalls two Ariston locations
• Growing up at The Ariston
• The dream of law school
• Earliest memory of The Ariston
• Most popular dishes
• Life with Demi Adam
• Most memorable patrons at The Ariston
• Walking away from the Ariston
• Life after The Ariston (The Litchfield Route 66 Museum)
•  is The Ariston important to Route 66?
• Local appreciation of The Ariston
• 100 years of advice to any Route 66 business owner
• 100th anniversary celebration of Ariston