Robin Hood honored for 50 years in business

Robin Hood restaurant in Rehoboth Beach was honored Feb. 8 for its 50 years in business.

First known as the Robert Lee in 1948, the name was changed to the Robin Hood in 1968 by Harry Tsoukalas, a Greek immigrant, and his wife, Niki, after they purchased the restaurant. Harry, who died in September, arrived in America in 1957 when he was 27 years old. Harry and his brothers, George and Nick, worked at a restaurant in Wilmington, where the head cook encouraged them to check out Rehoboth. Harry went back to Greece to marry Niki, and when they came back to the states, they started vacationing in Rehoboth, and fell in love with the town.

Presenter Barbara Brewer said, “Through hurricanes, nor’easters, changes in streetscapes, demographics and many other challenges, that restaurant is still contributing to our community 50 years later.”

Robin Hood is now run by Niki and her son, Kosta, and the restaurant still serves up favorites like French toast, gyros, omelettes and homemade vegetable soup.

“Very few restaurants can lay claim to 50-plus years of existence, especially in a small beach town that until recently relied on seasonal visitation,” Brewer said. “This local, independent restaurant beat the odds and stood the test of time.”

Kosta accepted the award on behalf of his parents. He thanked the chamber for its efforts in extending the season, which he said has allowed businesses like Robin Hood to stay in business and thrive.