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.
Renowned restaurateur and football player for USC John Papadakis recalls memories of growing up in the San Pedro 15th Street Vista Del Oro neighborhood by Averill Park and playing sports in the street, memories of all parents looking out for all of the boys (and there were some girls – I was one of them! Our family home 1513 W. 15th St. and JP refers to brother Joseph M. Mardesich, III aka “Mike”).
John Papadakis – Founder/proprietor of world renowned Papadakis Taverna (1973-2010) tells story of the inspiration and Greek values behind the opening of his legendary restaurant in historic downtown San Pedro with his wife Donna at his side preparing the food, greeting guests, brothers and cousins helping.
John Papadakis, a longtime San Pedro community leader, tells the story of how he developed his pride of being Greek and how that manifested itself into the opening of his legendary Papadakis Taverna
San Pedro community icon John Papadakis tells the story of how his grandfather, Nick Papadakis immigrated to San Pedro from Greece around 1907. Nick arrived penniless and through street smarts and hard work created a great life for himself and future generations of the Papadakis family.