The Diana Restaurant

The Diana Restaurant opened in July 1962 in the upper Market Tower facing King Square and was, from the start, a popular dining establishment. The original proprietors were Greek immigrants Mike Feggos (1931–2022), his brother-in-law Denis Mallioris, and their cousin Theodore Likourgiotis (1932–2016).[1] All three men were experienced restaurateurs and, in addition to the Diana, operated several dining establishments in Saint John over their careers. Throughout the years the restaurant operated it “specialized in home-cooked meals at affordable prices.”[2]

With great food and a stylish dining room, the Diana saw an increasing number of visitors over its first few months of operation. In September 1964 the restaurant completed a major extension which doubled seating capacity from 100 to 200 individual seats.[3]

The original owners operated Diana Restaurant until 1968. Later owners included Andreas “Andy” Papadopoulos (d. 2009) and Andy Angelopoulos. 

Although popular among Saint Johners, Diana Restaurant had its share of competition, including from other City Market eateries, namely Holland’s Coffee Corner, which sought a lease in 1967. That March, fearing a significant loss to business, the management of Diana Restaurant protested a Common Council meeting when it was rumoured the new coffee shop would receive a Market space.[4] The owners of the Diana felt so strongly that they offered to reimburse City the $144 in monthly rent that Coffee Corner would have paid in order to keep the stall empty.

In October, the restaurant took legal action against the City and Holland’s Coffee Corner, seeking damages for alleged lost business and for the City to cancel Holland’s lease. The case went all the way to the Appeal Division of the Supreme Court of NB. The Diana pointed out that the wording of a 1897 by-law required that any space inside the Market hall that was not rented to butchers must be rented to sellers of “country produce, fruits and vegetables” only.[5] Writing for the panel, Chief Justice Bridges found that the current Common Council was free to modify the by-law and rent to Coffee Corner. In addition, the court addressed language in the Diana’s lease in which the City promised not to allow any other restaurant to operate on “on the ground floor of the City Market Building fronting on Charlotte Street”. The court determined the phrasing and surrounding context meant that the Charlotte Street tower must be considered a separate building from the interior market hall. Therefore, Coffee Corner could rent a stall within the Market. While the suit was dismissed, the interesting question of law caused the decision to be cited by courts as far away as Alberta.[6]

The restaurant was heavily renovated in 1979, changing seating from booths to individual tables and chairs.[7] Diana Restaurant closed in April 1992 after thirty years in business. Plans to reopen the restaurant in the mid 1990s never materialized. The space later became Billy’s Seafood and is now home to Market Street Kitchen. 

Nonetheless, the Diana’s legacy lives on through the “The Med” and “Splash Thai Cuisine” adjoining restaurants on Rothesay Avenue. Founded in 1971 as “The Mediterranean” by Mr. Feggos and Mr. Likourgiotis along with George Flogeras, it remains with the Likourgiotis family to this day. In addition, working at the Diana served as a springboard for many Greek families to move to Saint John and found restaurants of their own, many of which continue the Diana Restaurant’s tradition of hospitality.

[1] “Diana Restaurant Has Fine Food, Moderate Prices.” The Evening Times Globe. 21 July 1962, Pg. 10.

[2] “Diana Restaurant.” The Telegraph Journal. 4 November 1991, Pg. 23.

[3] “Diana Restaurant Opens Modern New Extension.” The Evening Times Globe. 15 September 1964, Pg. 9.

[4] “Protest Plan for Coffee Shop,” The Evening Times Globe. 21 March 1967, Pg. 19.

[5] Diana Restaurant Ltd. v. City of Saint John et al., 1969 CanLII 845 (NBCA)

[6] “City Market Outlet Approved,” Saint John Times Globe. 23 October 1969, Pg. 26.

Crowchild Inn Ltd. v. Couch, 1972 CanLII 241 (AB SCTD)

[7] “Diana Restaurant Renovated,” Saint John Times Globe. 22 October 1979, Pg. 36