It’s the end of an era in Wantagh.
After 50 years, the landmark Circle M Diner on Wantagh Avenue is changing hands.
John and Nick Tsotsos, the brothers who had bought the diner in 1975 and turned it into a community cornerstone, are passing the spatula to a new team.
Taking over are Ari Santis, who’s been working in diners since he was 17, and John Galatoulas, whose family runs the popular Burgerology restaurant group.
“John and I came here a couple of months ago for dinner, just to get a good meal,” Santis said, recalling how the deal came together. “We spoke to John and Nick in Greek for a few minutes, just to say hi. After I paid my bill and we were walking out, John (the owner) said to me, ‘Do you know anyone who wants to buy this place?’ and we said yes, we do!”
Three months and a lot of planning later, the new owners are ready to roll out their vision — with one thing set in stone.
“We wanted to keep it the Circle M because the community loves it,” Galatoulas told GLI. “We just want to take it up a notch.
“We do own Burgerology, but we are so confident in the Circle M brand, we are not changing it. The identity here is strong enough.”
New meets classic
The pair are calling their plans “modern updates” to the menu — things like avocado toast, quinoa bowls, fruit smoothies, crepes, and new breakfast favorites such as mixed berry and banana Nutella pancakes.
“Avocado toast — there’s such a demand for it, but you can’t find it on many diner menus,” Santis said. “It should be on every diner menu, and we will have it.”
Still, the staples are staying.
“The extremely popular Mykonos salad is not going anywhere,” Galatoulas promised. “I promise you that.”
Full circle
The goal is to preserve the heart of the Circle M — the food and the people.
“All restaurants are successful because of food and community,” Galatoulas said. “I grew up in Bellmore, so I knew Circle M has both. You can’t put a price tag on what this place means to the community.
“Everyone on the South Shore knows it and loves it.”
The team is also extending the hours until 11 p.m., giving locals an extra two hours to grab a late-night bite. They plan to improve visibility along Wantagh Avenue with new signage and lighting, plus clearer signs letting customers know that parking in the lot north of the building is free.
The Tsotsos brothers will officially hand over the keys this Sunday night, Nov. 2, after dinner.
The new era — and new menu — begins Monday morning at breakfast.
“Everyone loves Nick and John in this community,” Galatoulas said. “They are two great guys. But everyone understands it’s time to pass the torch. We are similar ages to when they took over the diner 50 years ago. It’s the evolution of the Circle M.”
Top: The Circle M Diner, now under new ownership, is located at 1132 Wantagh Ave., just off the Southern State Parkway, in Wantagh. (Credit: Andrew Rappaport/GLI)
