Gus Vlahavas Place (Brooklyn)
Present name:Sterling Place
Location:Between Washington Avenue and Classon Avenue
Honoree:  Constantin "Gus" Vlahavas (1938-2014) began working at Tom’s when he was 9 years old and worked there for over 60 years before retiring in 2009. He graduated from Brooklyn College, served in the United States Army and briefly taught history at Midwood High School before deciding to work at the restaurant founded by his grandfather. He would tell stories of how he served ice cream to Jackie Robinson and other members of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Tom’s restaurant, at 782 Washington Avenue, remains an old-fashioned diner and ice-cream parlor It has survived in a changing neighborhood which at points was devastated by drugs, crime and property decay especially during the 1970’s and 80’s. (Cumbo)
LL:2015/76