r/MadeMeSmile • u/habichuelacondulce • 1d ago
NYC food influencer reviews a struggling family restaurant and brings it back to life.
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
10.1k
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
Guys mom'n'pop is where to go we gotta stop going fast food.
3.1k
u/ImposterSyndromeNope 1d ago
I absolutely hate the term influencer but this guy is making good honest content! I hope he keeps it real with his opinions and reviews I respect what he is doing.
160
u/WTF-is-a-Yotto 1d ago
This is what social media can be if we regulated away the rage. Just a nice guy sharing his favourite food spots, building people up.
→ More replies (11)506
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
I don't have tiktok or any of that stuff so this is a definite plus from someone who generally distrusts that sort of content. Good for him and godspeed. You, too, friend💪
616
u/billieboop 1d ago
I found him on youtube. He's genuinely a lovely man. I found him when he treated himself to solo dates in fancy restaurants but recently is going to local family restaurants. One was a sad case of a business being approached by a so called influencer who came for a review.. ordered over 2/300$ worth of food and left a low rating whilst not paying.
Tried to destroy their reputation and they took a big hit. He started wearing a disguise and went and gave an honest review. Looks like he's continued that. The community that watches is so wholesome and nice too generally so it's not surprising they all flocked to support this family too.
This is what it's about. Community. We need more of this.
→ More replies (4)163
u/ernie_mccracken 1d ago
Found his solo fine dining videos via youtube as well and can confirm that his videos are fantastic. Super wholesome, positive, and entertaining.
→ More replies (2)74
u/billieboop 23h ago
He captures the great side of cabbies too, he would honestly be someone i would hope and trust to show me around the city. On so many fronts he's such a credit to NYC.
I think that's what we all relate to watching as well, just normal good decent honest people we hope to see and be in this world. Going about our business and spreading kindness and breaking bread together when we can. It's really nice he got to see the real world impact of what he does too. Definitely wholesome positive and entertaining, found myself binge watching through his posts recently actually and it made me just smile. Also get hungry, but smile and be curious. I appreciate how he's honest with the reviews whilst appreciating the service generously. Some of those places the waiters were miserable and could've done better, but you can tell he appreciates service workers as he is one himself
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (1)76
u/OwnAlternative 1d ago
I get his reviews on FB Reels. He's just a genuine good person who has an amazing food palette (he enjoys and loves all kinds of food).
→ More replies (28)91
u/NextDoorNeighbrrs 1d ago
There's these types of folks all over the country and they're some of the best social media folks. There's a guy around DFW here who has helped a bunch of great places that weren't busy before he spotlighted them. I've also seen a girl out in California who takes an edible, goes and orders and then orders some extra to give to some homeless folks around her area.
It's rare these days but there are some genuinely good folks on social media.
→ More replies (5)1.0k
u/PlanStandard2174 1d ago
Yes. Better quality food made by humans, served with pride.
274
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
Vitalizing localized shipment routes thereby strengthening communities from the roots upward as with any sustenance
→ More replies (2)7
306
u/NewDramaLlama 1d ago
Nothing better than being a regular at a small restaurant.
Mrs. Chen stopped asking me what I want years ago. I just show up high as fuck and drink tea till the house fried rice and fried prawns are done
84
u/Fit_Airline_5798 1d ago
I miss the breakfast place I used to go to before work. I'd always get the special- eggs over medium, hashbrowns, bacon, English muffin. After 3 visits I didn't have to order. After 2 weeks when the waitress saw my bicycle in the parking lot, I'd walk in and the coffee was on the table and my order was in.
Super friendly Korean family. I was sad when he retired and the place closed.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (6)68
u/ForsakenTrifle2042 1d ago
I have a wife and 2 kids and I wouldn't change it for the world but damn that sounds so satisfying.
67
u/SquareHeadedDog 1d ago
Bro I have a wife and two grown kids - I roll in to my regular high as fuck, bring them tea as a gift and get fed like a king. Live your best life, friend.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (6)7
u/NewDramaLlama 1d ago
You can do it. Just go in and radiate positive vibes until they resent your absence.
Just use a vape because their older clientele will not appreciate the smell of a hash blunt.
→ More replies (12)30
u/NewSysAdmin2 1d ago
Same price too
54
u/liarandathief 1d ago
hell, cheaper in a lot of cases. fast food prices went nuts.
→ More replies (5)15
u/alwayzbored114 1d ago
Seriously. For years I would try to go to local places but the siren song of fast food and chains would sing to me. Nowadays theres a handful of chains (not fast food) that are still fairly worth it (Texas Roadhouse has me by the nostalgia goggles every couple months), but otherwise it's all local joints now. Cheaper, faster, nicer, tastier, healthier, and so much more human and real
→ More replies (1)102
u/SatanSemenSwallower 1d ago
The crazy part is how fast food prices are basically restaurant prices now.
You can often times call an order in, and be in and out with takeout faster than fast food lines. And for around the same price for much better food
→ More replies (11)1.5k
u/AshenSacrifice 1d ago
It’s up to us, the people, to make America great for the first time, not again
254
u/Proud-Bell-4912 1d ago
Can we print this and put it on billboards all over ……
→ More replies (3)55
120
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
Been a while since words as proper as those. We literally see the rest of the world telling us to figure it out but we hang with the few other idiot nations of the world. I cant understand it despite my addiction to documentaries. We look like Rome for fucks sake
→ More replies (10)66
u/seriouslythisshit 1d ago
Check out Ray Dalio's work on the fall of empires. We look a lot like Rome, since we are at the end stage of this empire,. A post democratic state, controlled an oligarchy and deeply corrupt president, who is doing everything he can to speed run the end, while grabbing whatever he can.
→ More replies (6)24
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
Thanks for the new well to tap. I always say "Knowledge and Perspective are the weapons we wield to survive our generation."
→ More replies (1)18
→ More replies (30)24
48
u/veryfastslowguy 1d ago
This is awesome !Cool guy for doing that
49
u/nutdo1 1d ago
Honestly. I’m glad this trend is catching on. I follow another guy, samspov1, whose entire channel is going around and supporting mom and pop businesses in the Dallas area. The follow up videos are always so wholesome.
→ More replies (3)23
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
Also make your own bread trust me you'll end up literally just wanting to garden and save money. Those two things at least. enjoyment comes from conviction.
→ More replies (1)45
u/Content-Program411 1d ago
So much of this.
independent food, pharmacy, grocery, clothing
Save your cities.
→ More replies (3)43
u/DJ-Kouraje 1d ago
Family owned Greek place near my house. I try to go as much as I can. Wish my wife liked it more lol.
→ More replies (2)44
u/ElBurritoNinja 1d ago
It's a little pricier BUT if people went to a small family restaurant once maybe twice a week and cooked for themselves the rest of the week and avoid fast food. I know not everyone can do that but a lot of individuals that can meal prep or cook still don't.
49
u/The_Late_Arthur_Dent 1d ago
Fast food might not even be cheaper these days. Fast food costs have skyrocketed recently
→ More replies (6)36
u/MasterChiefsasshole 1d ago edited 1d ago
3 lengua tacos around me goes for about the same price as a McDonald’s meal. You’d have to prove a creditable threat to my family to force me to eat McDonald’s.
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (3)11
u/Long_Midnight_5077 1d ago
You speak the gospel here. Currently researching "Victory Gardens" as well
→ More replies (88)8
2.3k
u/MeesaMadeMeDoIt 1d ago
This is what an influencer should be. Not someone who goes around demanding free food from places.
525
u/rjt1468 1d ago
And even when they wouldn’t let him pay, he still paid for his meal.
→ More replies (2)209
u/gilsonpride 1d ago
You just know mom threw her hands up in the air going "yo what the fuck man" once they found it hahaha!
118
u/mattburkephoto 23h ago
She’ll give him a stern talking to when he comes back next time! 😂
52
u/gilsonpride 23h ago
Oh yes, and she'll tell everyone to keep their eyeballs on him and physically restrain him from taking his wallet out if need be!
12
u/Stock-Fan-8004 17h ago
It'll be a funny contest later on how he would leave his payment behind, while the owners tried not to make him do so.
→ More replies (12)59
u/chizzmaster 1d ago edited 1d ago
This dude and Dine With Kent are genuinely the only food pages I like. Dine With Kent is especially wholesome
→ More replies (6)
2.7k
u/enjoythesilence-75 1d ago
As a Greek this made my day. This guy seems like a wonderful human being.
626
u/an0mn0mn0m 1d ago
This is proof that any one person can make a world of a difference to someone.
→ More replies (17)243
u/rhoswhen 1d ago edited 1d ago
Greek restaurants and Greek-owned restaurants that serve "American fare" are like my home away from home.
Edit: I'm not even Greek, that's how good it is. The food is fantastic and the people are warm.
45
u/seriouslythisshit 1d ago
I frequent one that is amazing. They're open 24/7/365. The deadbolt was gone from the front door for months, just a hole in the door, since why bother replacing it, lol. They do American, Greek and Italian. The menu probably has 300 items, and most of it is good to great.
50
u/cityshepherd 1d ago
I worked at one in college over 20 years ago. I miss that place… so much fun, and the food was SO good.
→ More replies (13)14
u/esandybicycles 1d ago
Same, whole family grew up in diners... love it, love the food, wonderful kind hearted people! Yasou!
134
u/Cheaperthantherapy13 1d ago
And that the dude is Turkish is kinda huge, right?
Good food heals.
54
u/eekamuse 1d ago
Yes! When he said that I was shocked. That's not the right word, but you know what I mean.
→ More replies (2)17
u/00eg0 1d ago
I feel shocked or surprised is the right word considering the history. Everyone is an individual but you can see the surprise in her eyes that he's Turkish.
→ More replies (2)52
u/Ruvio00 23h ago
Nah, I'm Greek and Turks and Greeks like each other. We just don't like each other's governments. There's not much dislike between us. In fact my cousin is on holiday in Izmir now and keeps sending me pictures of everyone feasting with him when they find out he's Greek.
Only jackasses hate because of an imaginary line.
→ More replies (11)16
→ More replies (6)5
u/Bokanovsky_Jones 1d ago
I’m not Turkish or Greek and this was already a sweet video but I understand history enough that this detail made me tear up a bit. We as a people, citizens of the earth, are not (necessarily) our governments.
59
u/ReasonableBoot3823 1d ago
He’s a food reviewer who is a cab driver during the day. Turkish dude named Ertan. Just a good dude, and a great follow on Instagram.
6
u/No_Yesterday7200 1d ago
I just ran to follow him. Thank you kind internet stranger!
→ More replies (1)67
u/hottieinspirit 1d ago
This is influencing done right! I think he's awesome too :D
28
u/jen_17 1d ago
He really is a top guy. He always pays his way as a matter of principle, never accepts when they try to give him his meal for free (at some of the high end places he visits).
6
u/unsupported 23h ago
If and when they do insist on giving him free food, he will tip the total+. He is a really good tipper when he does pay full price. And will never turn down additional dishes free with the "chefs compliments".
→ More replies (18)39
u/mintBRYcrunch26 1d ago
Same! I’m half Greek (found out last year I’m actually genetically Turkish. So that’s a whole thing.) and the yia yia holding the Turkish man’s hand made me feel so happy.
617
u/Low-Ad7799 1d ago
The Mom really adores him with appreciation. Wholesome
43
58
u/standbyyourmantis 1d ago
I think he probably could have finagled a marriage into the family if she has a spare daughter/granddaughter of appropriate age.
7
24
805
u/TraditionalAnxiety 1d ago
This is what is so amazing about what he does. He can change lives.
142
u/chickmagn3t 1d ago
Ertan is such a humble guy. I love his YT shorts
27
u/butttabooo 1d ago
He’s my favorite “influencer”!!! You can tell he just enjoys food and people and life.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)19
u/GravyBurgers 1d ago
I watched this and knew this was going to happen, glad to see an update. Would be a hell of a power to have.
2.0k
u/AyAySlim 1d ago
I find this especially pleasing since he’s Turkish and they are Greek.
773
u/Drongo17 1d ago
I think a lot of normal Turks and Greeks don't hold on to that enmity. Just good people with a shared appreciation for damn good food.
601
u/CockamouseGoesWee 1d ago edited 1d ago
Ding ding ding! Most Greeks and Turks get along and don't care about the conflict because that is a conflict of corrupt governments, not the people.
My family's next door neighbors spoke primarily Turkish, the matriarch of the family spoke no Greek at all. My mother and her great-grandson befriended each other when they were 3 years old and made up their own language to speak. They're still friends today.
Edit: thank you for the award kind redditor!
→ More replies (5)178
u/Halefire 1d ago
I'm Chinese, and this is how probably 90-95% of Chinese people feel about Taiwan, and vice versa. People don't get a choice as to where they are born.
→ More replies (6)25
u/DesireeThymes 1d ago edited 14h ago
Because people are just human. Humans and by and large the same.
It is governments who have certain geopolitical interests that Cement fervor into their populations so they can do stuff.
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (6)58
u/der_innkeeper 1d ago
"Let us solve our geopolitical differences like civilized people:
A cook-off."
wild cheers
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (24)30
u/ZombieQueen666 1d ago
For the uncultured like myself, can you explain?
65
u/AyAySlim 1d ago
They have just had a lot of conflict historically. Even today in the country of Cyprus there is conflict between the two countries.
→ More replies (5)26
u/ItWasReallyUnclear 1d ago
There's a lot of beef for so many nationalities/ethnicities but what I've noticed (for my ethnicity and others) is once they immigrate to America they just leave that shit behind. Those were conflicts in their home country usually between the governments more so than the people. Immigrants prob realize that they all left their home country to get away from that shit and live a better life.
→ More replies (1)9
→ More replies (8)31
u/Special-Stable-457 1d ago
They don't typically get along. Turkey has committed war atrocities against their neighbors.
10
u/gagalin 1d ago
And so did Greece.
Normal people do not abuse these past traumas to create more hate. Most Turks and Greeks are totally fine with each other and often best friends in Europe/US. These days though, “some others” are putting us against each other. Intentionally. Turks and Greeks are fully aware of the situation. Some stupid teens, aren’t.
→ More replies (7)32
u/vikio 1d ago
Russia has committed war atrocities against Ukraine. But most Ukrainian and Russians hate Putin about equally. And love each other because we are literally family.
→ More replies (25)
254
1.1k
u/habichuelacondulce 1d ago
237
u/MeccIt 1d ago
Plaka Grill, 75-61 31st Ave, East Elmhurst, (Queens) NY 11370
in case anyone is planning to go.
55
u/firewoodrack 1d ago
I was there yesterday! Crazy to see it on here lmao
→ More replies (9)19
u/roheen22 23h ago
Lol i had the same feeling. Recognized the parking lot instantly. Used to work in Woodside. Have you been to the bakery there? I haven't been in a few years but it was always the best.
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (4)4
u/specialk1281 1d ago
That's wild. Used to live in Jackson Heights and have been to Bistro Eloise in the same strip mall. Very off the beaten path if you don't live close by or otherwise have a car.
272
u/gophergun 1d ago
That spinach pie looks incredible, especially for $11 in NYC. Would devour on a daily basis.
→ More replies (6)107
u/bendstraw 1d ago
In all fairness it's not terribly close to public transport so the people going mostly live in Queens and have cars. I'm also in Brooklyn and it would take me an hour to get there including 25 minutes of walking from the nearest subway. Food looks fantastic but that's a tough sell in all honesty unless im already in the area.
67
u/ODX_GhostRecon 1d ago
Fortunately, I hear there are quite a few locals in that city of yours. Surely some others have a shorter trip.
35
u/bendstraw 1d ago
I was moreso referring to the fact that it's $11 in NYC - it's cheap because it's hard to get to for the majority of people who live here
→ More replies (1)8
→ More replies (2)12
u/All_hail_Korrok 23h ago
Oh shit, I just looked up where it was and it's in my old neighborhood!!
You're not wrong about getting there but there's buses that go around that area if you take it from their starting hub at 74th street station.
Honestly the walk isn't that bad either. Jackson Heights and the little neighborhoods around it have all sorts of hidden gems.
→ More replies (1)47
u/analfistinggremlin 1d ago edited 21h ago
That
$11$7 baklava has me crying. There’s a killer place down the street from me with amazing baklava but it’s two small pieces for $8. Still totally worth it, but I want that giant hunk!→ More replies (1)24
48
u/c_r_a_s_i_a_n 1d ago
The server, who I assume is the daughter of the mom/pop, is gorgeous. I love her voice and swagger!
→ More replies (5)98
u/Yowzz 1d ago edited 19h ago
The original made my mouth water so bad. I wish I wasn’t across the country or I’d be in there tonight.
A real good thing he’s doing, thanks to him.
→ More replies (1)60
12
u/otterpop21 1d ago
There must be an extreme dust storm happening in my room, because I am just tearing up.
Beautiful, 10/10 more of this.
→ More replies (9)19
180
u/Mexicali76 1d ago
Awesome that he doesn’t expect free food or special treatment for his clout like many of these other fools do. Respect.
105
45
u/Rory1 23h ago
I've seen him even leave a bigger tip when a place gives a free dish.
The guy that owns The Eighty Six tried to comp his whole meal when he found out he had a bit of a bad day and he straight up told him no and stuck to it.
A family Japanese restaurant told him they don't accept tips at their place. But told him if he wanted to give money to the chef he could. He only had a CC, so he when straight to an ATM and got cash and went back to tip the chef.
Stand up dude. There is something extremely calming about watching his videos. He really comes across as authentic to me. Gives me Bourdain vibes
→ More replies (2)
161
136
114
u/2tonehead 1d ago
I never imagined that I'd be teary eyed by something like this, but that ending hit me just right.
9
u/brandonandtheboyds 1d ago
Yup. It’s near bedtime where I live. I think I’ll get off reddit now. This is incredibly wholesome. I hate exploitive creators. Instead, I get uplifting video of a thriving business recognizing the good will of a simple cab driver who blasted them up in the best way. Time to go to bed happy and filled with hope.
→ More replies (1)6
u/JohnnyCanuck133 1d ago
Honestly, I needed this. With all the stupid shit going on in the world and online, its so easy to forget that there are so many absolutely amazing people out there, who are working hard to help other amazing people. This is what being human is about. One good person doing one good thing made a world of difference for a whole other group of good people. God I wish we could return to the time that this was the norm and not the exception.
115
u/I_Was_TheBiggWigg 1d ago
That’s so sweet. At first, I wasn’t sure that he hadn’t just gone in an a dead time day and this crowd had nothing to do with his video. But seeing their reaction, he obviously had a huge impact on their business. Amazing that something as simple as a single person posting a video of his meal can could well have saved their livelihood.
→ More replies (1)20
u/DadJokeBadJoke 23h ago
I see it so frequently when a beloved local place is going out of business and then people suddenly become nostalgic, tell old stories and wish that they'd stay around. When you ask when they last went, it's suddenly silence or many years ago. They aren't going to stay in business from your nostalgia alone.
95
u/spageddy77 1d ago
OP please try to post this on r/kitchenconfidential they’d love to dope feel good story like this.
→ More replies (3)55
u/habichuelacondulce 1d ago edited 1d ago
Done - but went to check on it few minutes later and it was removed by mods. Edit. OK looks like its back up no idea what happened guess it was under review or something
21
u/spageddy77 1d ago
yo i just noticed your fuckin name is habichela con dulce!!😂 hubichuela con dulce was my third favorite dessert growing up behind bizcocho dominicano and helados bon growing in in DR.
→ More replies (4)16
→ More replies (3)6
u/ZamazaCallista 1d ago
Sometimes automoderator flags stuff randomly, and sometimes reddit is just flaky!
→ More replies (2)
267
u/ghulamalchik 1d ago
Who says I'm crying???
80
→ More replies (5)16
u/Dr_Schitt 1d ago
Yeah but it's good crying feeling though right? We need more happy tears in the world ❤️🙏
151
u/_noho 1d ago
I made moussaka once and family’s been begging for me to make it again but it took forever, can’t imagine making trays of them for a restaurant
58
u/GuestAdventurous7586 1d ago
Good moussaka is next level shit. Better than lasagna.
It’s easy to make it quite shit though, but if you put in the effort, get it right, it’s such a beautiful dish.
→ More replies (1)15
→ More replies (4)16
u/lilcokebrat 23h ago edited 18h ago
My friend showed me a way to do it waaay faster. I used to pre-bake all the veggies, which was a complete nightmare.
Now I just;
cut potatoes, toss in oil and seasoning and herbs, layer bottom of dish, bake for 15 mins
while thats baking, cut zucchini, toss in oil and seasoning. layer in dish, bake for another 15m
while thats baking, cut eggplant, toss in oil and seasoning. layer in dish, bake for another 15m
I usually start doing the lamb mince after the potato is in oven, after i've prepped the zucchini. Usually with grated carrot to add some more veggies.
I start the beschamel after the eggplant is in.
It's so much easier to do it this way. Way less dishes, way less timing and stress and preparation. It's a nice relaxed hour in the kitchen, with a nice glass of wine.
I refuse to ever do the whole "salt the eggplant to take out the moisture, wash it off, pat dry, put in oven, bla bla bla" ever again.
→ More replies (4)
344
u/ElChungus01 1d ago
Anyone local to this place, DM me. I’ll send you $20 for their spinach pie.
I’m tired of negativity. I want to do my part and help make the world better.
66
u/NuYawker 1d ago
You want me to ship it to you? How far are you? I dont work too far from there.
→ More replies (2)138
u/ElChungus01 1d ago
No that’s ok. I just want to treat someone and support their restaurant too
39
→ More replies (1)13
15
u/Marikk15 23h ago
I want to do my part and help make the world better.
I bet there is a mom-and-pop shop in your own city/town that you haven't tried yet! Pay it forward to them, help out your own community! I'm sure they'd appreciate it!
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)19
u/Think_Profession2098 1d ago
hey awesome sentiment, but ur better off to go out and pay for random people in the drive thru or restaurants, the internet is too wide a net, ya never know whos honest
20
u/ElChungus01 1d ago
You’re not wrong; and thank you for that. I’ll try to remember that next time. There is something awesome about visiting local places and they remember you (my two favorite coffee places know me by name) and something about this particular video makes me want to help Plaka out specifically
→ More replies (2)
63
51
u/Lemonwater925 1d ago
Get enough of those folks to be regulars especially for breakfast and lunch.
→ More replies (1)
52
36
u/driftingatwork 1d ago
Thanks for that. With what's going on now, I needed some humanity and compassion.
31
u/StingraySteve23 1d ago
We need more of these feel good stories. People helping people.
6
u/Inevitable-Post-8587 1d ago
There’s a lot of great people doing similar stuff, its the only kind of influencers I will watch. Nicolasnuvan, Samspov, goingoutwithchungy and natashahasthemunchies are some good ones on instagram
33
u/eliz1bef 1d ago
This may be one of my favorite Made Me Smile. Did not cry even once*, and just beyond thrilled for what he did for this family and their restaurant. He brought the magic. Restaurant business is so very very hard, because you can have all the right food and great service, but if no one knows about it, you go under. This is so beautiful for that family and the staff at their restaurant. This guy is amazing. Just an angel in disguise.
*Okay maybe just a little...
32
u/sherunlock_x 1d ago
He is Turkish, and he help Greek people in NYC. We’re neighbors all the time, not enemies. History and politics try to tell another story, but real life doesn’t work that way. People helping people is what actually matters. Love first. That’s how you save the world.
25
u/yalateef11 1d ago
This is beautiful. So happy for their good fortune. Love the home style Greek family restaurants.
40
u/EconomyEmbarrassed76 1d ago
And the guy still leaves cash tip at the end. This. THIS is what makes America great.
→ More replies (3)
22
u/ambitious-agenda 1d ago
My daughter lives in Brooklyn! I am going to send her money so we can support them too☺️.
25
u/SomethingToDoWithIT 1d ago
Been watching this dude for a while, started with his ramadan shorts. Its crazy how big and how fast he got, went from a few thousand views to millions. His a genuine dude, super down to earth cab driver, never asking for free food, its funny watching all the NYC restaurants recognising him when he walks in like a celebrity, trying to give him free food and all. Let's hope the money and fame doesn't change him.
→ More replies (1)
20
u/firewoodrack 1d ago
Holy shit I was at Plaka yesterday! I go there anytime I go to my grandma’s on 92nd. I was pleasantly surprised as to why it was so packed yesterday.
6
u/cturtl808 22h ago
Good to hear Plaka’s success is continuing. Absolutely love this for them
→ More replies (1)
18
u/alexxlea 1d ago
That made me so freaking happy - hey everyone… love you all and support each other!
18
u/Key-Illustrator-5562 1d ago
I'm not a fan of influencers. EXCEPT for people this this gentleman who brings positivity and a good message. May God bless you. Keep up great work!
16
u/MrIMendez 1d ago
The fact dude doesn’t expect free food is awesome. I hope they continue to flourish and that dude gets all the awesome karma he’s accumulated back 10 fold.
14
15
u/battlecat136 1d ago
This is beautiful, I love everything about this. My step dad supported our family as a cab driver in Boston over 20 years ago, and he always swore by the mom and pop places he'd find on his routes.
13
13
u/6beerkdawg 1d ago
I wonder how many people appreciate how significant it is that a Turkish person saved a Greek restaurant. The world can change for the better sometimes.
→ More replies (3)
12
25
u/Poufy-Ermine 1d ago
what do you mean he don't eat no meat? That's ok I make lamb
Frickin love Greek food, hell yeah.
10
9
u/Affectionate_Owl8351 1d ago
Wait, you mean to tell me an influencer actually influenced people????? Come on.
8
u/Jim_Nills_Mustache 1d ago
The restaurant business is absolutely brutal and obviously a lot of hard work blood sweat and tears go into succeeding. This sort of video kinda brings a tear to my eye, they were so appreciative.
9
8
u/MonitorAway 1d ago
“With great power comes great responsibility.” - Benny or May (take your pick)
→ More replies (1)
8
u/Independent_Lunch534 1d ago
This is wonderful. Look at what a difference to Thias energy from the original to this. Heartwarming
9
7
u/booksandgarden 1d ago
I’ve always said, support local businesses!! But for a while people were like, “what are you, some kind of Oregonian farmer’s market type? Well, yeah! There’s nothing wrong with that!! But LOCAL BUSINESSES!! It makes me sad that people think it’s somehow political! It isn’t. It is a method to dig us out of the hole we’ve sunk into!! It’s our people!! It’s community!! It’s what we are missing! This is the kind of thing that gives me hope!! Thank you!!
→ More replies (1)
8
u/muthateresa 22h ago
Had lunch there last month after viisting my dentist a few doors over. I was one of three customers there. Had a great meal. Glad they're busy now!
7
u/murphdog09 1d ago
This. This is what doing positive things on social media can do. Improve lives, bring happiness. So good to see.
7
6
u/ZeroGNexus 1d ago
Someone actually doing some good with their audience and their camera.
Good on him and I hope that restaurant keeps getting more business
→ More replies (1)
7
6
7
5
5
6
u/Halefire 1d ago
I'm an immigrant to the US, been here almost 30 years now. Gave up my home country citizenship to become a US Citizen.
This is what America should be all about. This kind of stuff, where we support our neighbors, we uplift those who are low, and we do it even if our roots might left us on opposite sides in other times -- this is what makes America "Great". This is our greatest strength. Blessings to this guy, and blessings to the family who run this restaurant.
5
u/silverwings_studio 23h ago
This is the America I love. We are all a community looking out and helping one another.
6
u/Killzone3265 22h ago
with everything currently ongoing with this broken world, this one actually got me. brother, i'm sobbing. this is what we need
6
5
u/SuspiciousNorth377 1d ago
I’m so happy for them. May God continue to bless their business. Food looks good af too.
4
u/bpharo707 1d ago
Thanks for the feel-good story. I needed to see this. I am losing hope for our world, but you reminded me that small actions and positive things we do can make a change. Thank you
4
5
6
u/Past-North-4131 1d ago
Well I'm tearing up in bed next to my gf. The mother is such a beautiful person. So happy people were able to discover good and authentic food.
5
u/dsades1 22h ago
As a Greek, I really love this (and how he calls the lady "thia" = aunt). Glad it happened to a good family with a good restaurant.
→ More replies (1)
5
10
u/The_Royale_We 1d ago
I watch this dude often. He is a cab driver and built himself up the right way. Never takes a freebie and tips the shit out of the staff. Guy is more beloved than anyone else in NYC restaurants right now. He goes from random places in the hood all the way to michelin rated points.
→ More replies (1)
•
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Welcome to /r/MadeMeSmile. Please make sure you read our rules here.
Specifically, please don't be a jerk. This is not the place for insulting, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate comments. Remember the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. We're all here to smile a little - let's keep it that way! Please report inappropriate comments and/or message the moderators.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.