03/21/2026
In our industry, we often recognize and admire chefs that have made an impact in our industry and in our own personal careers. But we often forget to recognize the people in the Front of the House that come face-to-face with our guests.
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I have often said that if the kitchen is the heart of the operation, the front of the house is the soul.
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Throughout my 40 or so years in the restaurant industry, I have met many people that have influenced and inspired my career. But there were two particular “mentors” that had the greatest impact.
Back of the house – is my dad. He taught me how to respect the kitchen, the importance of quality ingredients and so much more.
But, when it came to the front of the house it was this man right here, my uncle, Nicholas Behiri, or as we all affectionately referred to him, “Uncle Nick.”
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Uncle Nick answered God’s call and left us earlier this week, at the age of 93. As partner/owner with my dad at Tops Diner for 30 years, his contribution to the success and hospitality of our family restaurant is immeasurable. Uncle Nick worked white tablecloth restaurants in London for 20 years before coming to America, and he had the ability to make guests in our family diner feel like they were royalty.
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• Uncle Nick taught me that we were in the business of “yes.”
• Uncle Nick taught me to treat our customers as if they were honored guests in our own home.
• Uncle Nick taught me that anyone can take care of an easy customer… but the difficult customer is a chance to show how good we really are.
• Uncle Nick taught me that one of the greatest impacts you can have on a guest is to make them smile or laugh.
• And so much more
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If I were St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, I would put Uncle Nick at the entrance, to greet the souls as they enter, and es**rt them “to their table.” They will immediately know they are in paradise.
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Rest in peace, Uncle Nick. Thank you for everything.
May your memory be eternal.
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If you would like to send something in honor of Uncle Nick (Nicholas Behiri), please make a donation on his behalf to:
St George Geeek Orthodox Church
107 Clinton St, Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 393-0742
Donations can be made online at:
https://onrealm.org/STGEORGEGREEKOR91825/-/form/give/Stewardship
Click the "stewardship" tab and select "Nicholas Behiri Memorial"
