Sept. 4, 2026
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
SOLAHA Vol. IV, No. 39 John Papadakis Averill Park to USC Football
Longtime San Pedro business owner – Papadakis Taverna (1973-2010) leader John Papadakis tells the story of playing “touch” football at Averill Park with the neighborhood kids using makeshift equipment and how his father’s love of football and USC made a big impact on the direction of his life.
In a previous stories John’s speaks about his paternal grandfather and patriarch Nick Papadakis, one of ten brothers, emigrating from Greece escaping the Ottoman Empire, to San Pedro around 1907. He was resourceful, established various businesses, built the LaSalle Hotel (now lofts at 255 W. 7th St.SP) that still has his name chiseled on the front)and eventually founded Anchor Liquors and a family dynasty; and about founding the renowned Papadakis Taverna.
Stellar athlete, successful restaurateur, community minded, John is proud father of four, grandfather of eight, married to beloved Donna (nee Schultz) for over 50 years, and clearly inherited his grandfather Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit. Ever the raconteur in his robust eloquent style John has reverence for family heritage and his Greek roots. In past few years he’s pursued a new career as “The Singing Linebacker” and is only rivaled by the late Tony Bennett. John could be his own SOLAHA series.