The Board
JAMES TZEPOS
President
James enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids and running his well-known restaurant, Zois Pizza, in Seymour, CT. He is a proud family man and business owner who works hard to balance both commitments.
NICHOLAS VLAMIS
Vice President
Nicholas values continual learning and is known for his forward-thinking leadership skills. Those skills helped him successfully operate the Bridgeport landmark he owns for more than 30 years.
DEMETRIS PAPANIKOLAOU
Treasurer
Owner of renowned local favorite Orem’s Diner in Wilton, CT a 102-year old establishment and 30-year veteran of the industry, Demetri has a passion for modernized cooking and delivering consistent quality. His background in Molecular Biology brings valuable food safety knowledge to our team.
PETER J. KOKENOS
Secretary
Owner of a successful Diner Restaurant in Connecticut, Peter has an impressive corporate finance background and holds multiple financial licenses as well as ServSafe® Manager certificate.
THEMI KOLITSAS
Director
Passionate about helping people, Themi is always looking for ways to help others personally or in one of his planned restaurants. Also dedicated to PGNE, Themi has been on the board for two decades.
DIMITRI MAGRIPLIS
Director
After having spent over 10 years as a corporate finance executive in Greece and many more in the hospitality industry, Dimitri moved here in 2010 and has owned and operated Cheshire Pizza & Ale for the last 6 years.
GEORGE PERTESIS
Director
Co-owner of the fast-casual restaurants Truly Greek and Urban Greek, George comes from a family tradition of restaurateurs and is deeply passionate about the hospitality experience.
GEORGE MASTROMANOLIS
Director
George strives for excellence in service, quality, and consistency in his business. Perhaps that is why CT Magazine called his restaurant, State Street Cafe of North Haven, one of the state’s best breakfast places.
CHRIS SKABARDONIS
Director
Owner of multiple Connecticut restaurants, Chris has a deep understanding of the restaurant industry’s complexities. He embraces challenges and encourages a team effort in facing them, which is what drew him to join PGNE.
NICK VLASTARIS
Director
During the past 10 years, Nick has built and grown a landmark business. With the help of family members, he enjoys creating an excellent customer experience for his guests at Goodies in Milford, CT.
NICK ROUSSAS
Director
With decades of hands-on experience starting at age 10, Nick understands the restaurant world from every angle. He is active member in Bridgeport community focused on revitalization and improvements. He is always ready to share his knowledge, experience and the occasional inappropriate joke.
THEOFILOS ANASTASIADIS
Director
Co-owner of the beloved Pies & Pub pizzeria and taproom, Theo brings passion and heart to everything he does. Known for his leadership and community focus, he has spearheaded multiple charity events and joined PGNE to support and uplift fellow restaurateurs.
