Months of hard work have paid off for John Charalambous and the Wang family. This past Tuesday, Dan Rinzel, president of the Mount Vernon/Lee Chamber of Commerce, and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, helped Charalambous and members of the Wang family to cut the ribbon of the Green Olive Buffet & Grill, a new full-service oriental and seafood buffet restaurant. Friends and chamber members gathered together for the ribbon-cutting, after which they were all invited inside for a free lunch.
"We are thrilled that you're re-opening and have chosen to stay on Route 1," Hyland said. "If you've been here as long as I have, you can't help but marvel at the changes that have happened up and down the highway."
Hyland added, "This is a marvelous success story. Folks now look at Richmond Highway as a significant place, and a place to make money."
Hyland also said that the new owners of Kings Crossing have announced they have indicated they will pursue a mixed use development for their property.
"That's a significant piece of property," he said.
Hyland closed his comments by saying to the owners of Green Olive, "I wish you nothing but the best."
Approximately 40 people stayed for the lunch, which featured their full lunch buffet. Diners had a hard time deciding where to start first — Soup & Salad? Sushi? Chinese? Seafood? Italian? Maybe one of each? Dishes overflowed as guests made their way to tables that were clean and polished.