Brothers happy to bring some gusto to Route 18

BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

Above right, the owners of the new Gusto Grill, Route 18 in East Brunswick, are brothers (l-r) Demetrios, George and Athan Vlahos. EAST BRUNSWICK - The Gusto Grill, which recently opened on Route 18 north, is the handiwork of three bothers with longtime experience in the restaurant business.

Demetrios, George and Athan Vlahos held their grand opening last week, with special events to bring the community into the eatery. The restaurant is in the location that previously housed Gavlan's and before that, Stuff Yer Face.

The Vlahos brothers not only each have college degrees in the field, but have also run their father's restaurant, the Olympia Diner in Elizabeth, for many years.

When the brothers recently felt it was time to strike out on their own, they chose to have the Gusto Grill in East Brunswick because they love the location, said Athan, who is the youngest brother.

"It's been a dream of ours to come down here," he said.

The brothers, who continue to run their father's diner as well, offer a wide variety of products on the menu.

"Almost anything you could imagine," Athan said.

The Gusto Grill, he noted, also has a great wine and martini list and a nice bar atmosphere. Still, he said, the restaurant is a family place.

Athan and his brothers bought the property from the owners of Gavlans earlier this year.

The Vlahos brothers said each of them has a unique position in the business, and their restaurants benefit from the three distinct personalities.

Demetrios, aka "Jimmy," a graduate of Berkley College, manages the kitchen area. Many of his "own creative signature" dishes are on the menu, the family said in a press release.

George, who has a bachelor of science degree in hotel and restaurant management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, and is "the embodiment of serious business, with a smile, of course."

Athan has a degree in restaurant management and culinary arts from the New York Restaurant School, "and his relaxed temperament helps to ensure a happy and friendly staff eager to make a customer's experience most pleasurable."

The brothers are thrilled about the new venture. They described the Gusto Grill as a "classy and cool new restaurant" complete with an impressive and innovative menu."

Their grand opening week featured live music and children's activities, also raising money for a local charity.

The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.