Community Restaurant

The Community Restaurant is a Cortland dining spot with a long, family-run history that stretches back to a place called El Dorado. It later became the Community Coffee Shop, and in 1930 it was renamed the Community Grill when Cy Costes and Anthony Nicholson took ownership.

Tony Souzas became the owner in 1963 and gave it the Community Restaurant name. He and his brother Bill served fine food to area residents in a friendly atmosphere. Evan Souzas has been the owner since 2000, after his uncle Tony and father Bill retired and moved back to Greece.

What to Know

• The restaurant began as El Dorado before becoming the Community Coffee Shop.
• It became the Community Grill in 1930 under Cy Costes and Anthony Nicholson.
• The current name dates to 1963, when Tony Souzas took over.
• Evan Souzas has been the owner since 2000, keeping the business in the family.
• It is a member of the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and is featured by Experience Cortland.