Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 9, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Gregory George Kroustalis, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021.  Gregory was born on January 25, 1945 in Papadia, Greece to George and Olga Kroustalis.  He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Evangelia “Angie” Kroustalis, his son George Kroustalis; son Vasilios (Bill) Kroustalis and his wife Anastasia, and his granddaughter Eva Kroustalis.

Gregory grew up in Greece and spent his youth primarily in and around Karpenisi.  In his teenage and early adult years, he moved and worked in Athens.  However, it was a trip back to a “panegiri” near his hometown where he met the love of his life, Angie.  A few months later in September, 1970, Gregory and Angie were married.  The young couple soon made the monumental decision to take the leap and migrate to the United States “for a chance at a better life for us….and our future family” as they often said later.  Gregory’s brother-in-law, Tom Nixon sponsored their immigration and helped him secure his first job at the Historic Presto Grill.  He washed dishes and learned the kitchen, all while taking night classes at CPCC with the goal of improving his proficiency in English. 

Nearly 10 years later, it was time for the next leap when Greg and his new business partner George Bacogeorge bought the Gus’ Sir Beef Restaurant on Monroe Road in 1981.  That was the start of a special time as “Fresh my Farm” was feeding lots of Charlotteans throughout the 80’s and early 90’s.  He went on to open the Flamingo Restaurant in 1990 and the very first Greg’s Bar-B-Que in 1994, in Mooresville, NC.  A few years later he opened Greg’s in Statesville, NC and in 2000, he opened the anchor, Greg’s Bar-B-Que in Matthews, NC which is where he would semi-retire from in 2013.

Gregory’s philosophy of helping those in need was a trademark to all who knew him.  Whether it was feeding a group or helping out monetarily, his explanation was always the same. “God has blessed us with so much, we need to help those who need help”. Gregory also helped those who wanted to work and do better for their families as he helped many of his past employees and partners open up their own restaurant.  He enjoyed watching their success. 

Gregory and Angie were active members at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  It is where sons, George and Bill were baptized as well as his granddaughter, Eva this past November.

Gregory’s Greek heritage, culture and language were important to him, and he wanted to instill this pride in his two sons.  No matter how hectic life became, he felt it was his mission to take his children to Greece every other summer until his sons went to college starting when they were ages 7 and 5.  He would remind them how special these trips were to his family and how much they would appreciate it when they got older – he was right of course as these magical trips have become a summertime tradition to this day. 

His greatest joy was his beloved family.  He was proud of the fine young men his sons grew up to be.  George became a financial advisor going on twenty-four years now and Bill played pro-basketball in Europe for nearly ten years after college.  He told them early and often in their childhood, you’ve got to have dreams in life…knowing what you want to accomplish and what you want to be in the future…and chase it.  Gregory lived his dream.

A memorial and funeral service will be held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  Viewing open to the public at 11:00 AM with the funeral at 12:00 Noon restricted for close family due to COVID protocols.  The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/165729/457c79a80e for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Kroustalis’ memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Attn: Pew Restoration Project, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.