STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — George Plaitis, founder of Andrew’s Diner, has also been its engaging storyteller, resident magician, and charismatic host since 1999.
A native of Crete, Plaitis has built a restaurant career spanning about five decades in the United States, where Staten Islanders have become like brethren.
“I love my customers. I think of them as my family,” said Plaitis. On a recent weekday at lunchtime, a survey of guests in the packed house turned up loyalists from all points of the Island, including one native visiting from Delaware.
“I did the American dream,” reflected Plaitis, who immigrated to the United States from Crete in 1967…