Teddy’s Owner Passes Away

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Well-known and loved business owner of Teddy’s Luncheonette, Theofilos George “Teddy” Nikitiades, 77, died Aug. 25. According to some in the township, he will be sorely missed.

Originally from Greece, Nikitiades immigrated to New York City, and eventually to Cranbury where he opened the popular eatery in 1973.

“He was a celebrity and will be very much missed by everyone in town,” said Jerry Stryker, who worked for Nikitiades for 30 years as a waitress and now works as a hostess.

Nikitiades is also remembered as someone who would do whatever he could for anyone.

“Teddy helped everyone he could, however he could,” Stryker said. “He was a very generous man. If you needed something, he would do what he could to help you.”

Remembered as being someone who would sit at the front of the luncheonette near the window, Nikitiades would greet customers, such as Frank Brown, a Cranbury resident.

“He was a tremendous person, an icon of Cranbury,” Brown said. “He loved kids and was always interactive with everyone that came in [to the restaurant].”

Brown continued, “Teddy knew everyone in town and they knew him. He was a tremendous Yankees fan--a die-hard Yankees fan. He was also an honorary member of the fire department and the Lions’ Club."

According to Brown, Nikitiades would work 15 to 16 hours a day at the luncheonette, until he became ill. His work ethic is what helped make the restaurant the staple it has been, and will continue to be, Stryker said.

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