Windmill Family Restaurant Owner Has Passed Away

The owner of the Windmill Family Restaurant has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Louis Smirnioudis passed away on Aug. 27, according to family and friend posts on Facebook.

Smirnioudis, who opened the restaurant in 1992, was a long-time community booster in Concord, often donating money and gift certificates to charity and hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless in his restaurant, an event that former Gov. John Lynch often attended.

Last year, the Windmill was awarded with a Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Small Business of the Year Award and during a short speech, Smirnioudis shared his story about coming to America as a teenager from Greece and dreaming of owning his own restaurant, a dream that later came true. He was diagnosed with cancer two years ago but still managed to come into the restaurant.

In recent years, his son Kosmas Smirnioudis and other family members continued to run the restaurant and carry on his traditions. 

Ward 8 City Councilor Dick Patten shares his thoughts here about Louis Smirnioudis' passing. 

A funeral will be held on Aug. 30, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Calling hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home.